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England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the tourists secured a surprisingly comfortable win in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

The England coach's team had talked at length about their drive going into the first Ashes for 22 years, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more composure in front of a historic crowd for an series match in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Display from Walsh

Guided by an outstanding display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Walsh, Australia were deserving and convincing victors in the opening Test of the three-game contest, meaning England must triumph at Goodison Park next weekend to keep alive their aspirations of a first Ashes win since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to accomplish that goal. On multiple occasions in the opening period, the hosts found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any points. That was in no small part thanks to Reece Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The initial occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had taken the lead as Reece Walsh himself finished a excellent play.

Cleary added the extras before adding a two-pointer on the brink of the interval to establish a eight-point lead. It was a pivotal point, as was the try for Crichton soon after the restart which made it fourteen to nil in favor of the visitors. The hosts now had to score three times and that seemed to halt 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 supported by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for the Kangaroos' third score.

That made it twenty to zero and there was added disappointment in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating move, exploiting a weary and visibly shot England defense for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to leave early and many did not see Clark's late try, which at least prevented England being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for the coach to answer going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

• England: Full team lineup.
• Interchange: Bench players.
• Tries: Daryl Clark.
• Goal: Lewis.

• Australia: Walsh; Nawaqanitawase, Staggs, Shibasaki, Addo-Carr; Munster, Cleary; Carrigan, Grant, Fa’asuamaleaui, Crichton, Young, Yeo.
• Bench: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Nathan Cleary (five).