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The home side's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward win in the first match of the rugby league Ashes series.

Shaun Wane’s side had spoken effusively about their motivation going into the first Ashes for over two decades, and they were definitely full of effort at the famous stadium. However, in the key instances, it was the world champions who showed more calmness in front of a historic crowd for an Ashes Test in the United Kingdom of more than 60,000.

Brilliant Display from Reece Walsh

Led by an outstanding display in offense and defense from Brisbane Broncos’ Reece Walsh, the Kangaroos were deserving and convincing victors in the first match of the three-match series, meaning England must triumph at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium next Saturday to keep alive their hopes 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 opening period, the home team found themselves in advantageous situations but they were unable to cross for any tries. That was in large measure thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two superb interceptions.

Crucial Plays of the Match

The first came as Farnworth seemed certain to put Young in for what would have been the first score, then the fullback denied Lewis as the break neared. By then, the Australians had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a excellent move.

Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score lead. It was a pivotal moment, as was the score for Angus Crichton soon after the restart which made it 14-0 in favour of the Kangaroos. The hosts now had to cross the line thrice and that seemed to halt their drive.

Should there have been uncertainty about the winners, they were decisively settled with a quarter-hour to go. Cameron Munster’s half-break was supported by Crichton, who pushed past Welsby for Australia’s third try.

That made it twenty to zero and there was further humiliation in the final minutes as Reece Walsh finished another scintillating move, exploiting a tired and visibly shot English defensive line for his second.

Final Score and Looking Ahead

By then, home fans had begun to leave early and many missed Daryl Clark’s consolation, which at least prevented the home side finishing scoreless. Nonetheless, there are many issues for Wane to address going into what is now a must-win match next weekend.

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

• Australia: Starting lineup.
• Interchange: Dearden, Collins, Cotter, Koloamatangi.
• Scores: Walsh 2, Crichton 2.
• Goals: Nathan Cleary (five).