"England's attacking frailties were exposed and punished by a ruthless Australia as the tourists swept to a worryingly straightforward victory in the opening Test of the Ashes. 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 Wembley. However, in the crucial moments, it was the world champions who showed more composure"
"Led by an outstanding display in attack and defence from Brisbane Broncos' Reece Walsh, Australia were worthy and comfortable winners in the opening Test of the three-match series, meaning England must win at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium next weekend to keep alive their hopes of a first Ashes win since 1970. They will have to be much better with the ball if they are to achieve that."
"That was in no small part thanks to Walsh, who pulled off two wonderful interceptions. The first came as Herbie Farnworth seemed certain to put Dom Young in for what would have been the opening try, then Walsh denied Mikey Lewis as half-time approached. By then, the Kangaroos had gone ahead as Walsh himself finished a wonderful move. Nathan Cleary converted before adding a penalty on the stroke of half-time to open up a two-score lead."
England's attacking frailties left them unable to capitalize on several promising first-half positions, repeatedly failing to score despite possession. Australia displayed composure and clinical finishing in front of more than 60,000 spectators, with Reece Walsh delivering outstanding attack and defence, including two crucial interceptions and a try. Nathan Cleary added a conversion and a half-time penalty to open a two-score lead, and Angus Crichton's second-half try extended the advantage to 14-0. England must win the next Test at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium to keep Ashes hopes alive and will need significantly improved ball performance to challenge the world champions.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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