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friendly | International Rugby League
Nov 7, 2015 at 2.45pm UK
 
England
2-9
New Zealand
FT

New Zealand beat England in strong defensive display

New Zealand take the Test Series against England to 1-1 following a 9-2 win in London.

New Zealand have beaten England 9-2 to draw the Test Series in a hugely physical matchup at London's Olympic Stadium.

Both teams put in some of the best defensive displays in recent years but Shaun Kenny-Dowall's try three minutes into the second half won the match for New Zealand.

Peta Hiku of New Zealand is brought down during the International Rugby League Test Series match between England and New Zealand at the Olympic Stadium on November 7, 2015 in London, England.© Getty Images

John Bateman had a chance to strike early but he could only kick a bouncing ball straight into touch two minutes into the match, before Gareth Widdop got the first points with a penalty soon after.

New Zealand's Issac Luke hit back with a penalty of his own, before the men in black dominated the next 20 minutes, but England's defence held firm.

England tried to hit back, but time and again they were stopped just short of the line as New Zealand ended the half on top.

Adam Blair of New Zealand is tackled by Elliott Whitehead of England during the International Rugby League Test Series match between England and New Zealand at the Olympic Stadium on November 7, 2015 in London, England.© Getty Images

Kenny-Dowall then broke the deadlock just after the second-half restart following superb handling from Tohu Harris. Jordan Kahu added the conversion before Peta Hiku lost the ball over the line as New Zealand upped their game to put England under immense pressure.

Luke then missed an early penalty that would have given the Kiwis an eight-point lead, before James Graham knocked on over the line for England.

Kodi Nikorima then fluffed another try for the visitors after he tapped the ball over the deadball line, but Kahu nailed a drop goal four minutes from time to seal the win.

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