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The home side's offensive weaknesses were exposed and punished by a clinical Australian side as the visitors swept to a surprisingly comfortable victory in the opening Test of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s team had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were certainly not short on effort at the famous stadium. Yet, in the key instances, it was the world champions who displayed more calmness in front of a record attendance for an Ashes Test in the UK of more than 60,000.

Outstanding Performance from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding showing in attack and defence from club star Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Goodison Park next Saturday to keep alive their aspirations of a series victory since 1970.

They will have to be much better with the ball 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 Reece Walsh, who executed two superb interceptions.

Key Moments of the Game

The first occurred as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the opening try, then the fullback stopped Mikey Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself completed a excellent play.

Cleary added the extras before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to establish a two-score lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the try for Angus Crichton soon after the resumption which made it fourteen to nil in favour of the Kangaroos. 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 20-0 and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh completed another breathtaking move, taking advantage of a tired and clearly exhausted English defensive line for his second.

Match Result and Outlook

By then, local supporters had begun to filter out and many did not see Daryl Clark’s late try, which at least prevented the home side being held to nil. Nonetheless, there are plenty of questions for Wane to address 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: Bench players.
• Tries: Clark.
• Goal: Mikey Lewis.

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Bench: Reserves.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Kicks: Cleary 5.