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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on endeavour at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a record attendance for an series match in the UK of over sixty thousand spectators.

Brilliant Display from Walsh

Led by an exceptional display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since the 1970s.

They will have to be much better with the possession if they are to accomplish that goal. On several instances in the first half, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were failed to score for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who executed two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Match

The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then Walsh stopped Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary converted before kicking a two-pointer on the stroke of the interval to open up a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to stifle their momentum.

If there were any doubt about the victors, they were firmly put to bed with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was backed up by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Walsh finished another scintillating move, taking advantage of a weary and clearly exhausted England defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Looking Ahead

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. However, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win match next Saturday.

• Home Side: Welsby; Young, Farnworth, Wardle, Johnstone; Williams, Lewis; Havard, Clark, Lees, Bateman, Pearce-Paul, Knowles.
• Interchange: Litten, Walmsley, Trout, McMeeken.
• Try: Clark.
• Conversion: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Cleary 5.