Kiwis bounce back to set up mouthwatering final game

New Zealand beat England 9-2 at Olympic Stadium to level Test

Emdad Rahman

In a historic first rugby league game to be played at the London 2012 Olympic Stadium, New Zealand beat England 9-2 in the second game to level the three game Test series 1-1. A determined and gritty display saw the visitors set up a tasty clincher. The third decider match will take place next week.

After a 26-12 triumph in the first game in Hull last week, England went into this clash as favourites to wrap up the series – but this was a different performance altogether. The enterprising Kiwis kept the home team on the back foot for most of the game. Though England defended marvellously at times, they lacked the necessary punch up front to really cause the damage required.

The only try of the game came a couple of minutes into the second half courtesy of winger Shaun Kenny-Dowall. England also had a try disallowed controversially by video. England’s defence held strong as New Zealand attacked. Chris Hill and Liam Farrell executed vital tackles on the line. Gareth Widdop and New Zealand co-captain Issac Luke both scored penalties to send the teams in at half time with the scores balanced at 2-2.

Despite the introduction of Tom Burgess, England lacked creativity and rarely troubled the kiwis in the second half. Two minutes into the second half, and Tohu Harris’s fingertip pass set up Kenny-Dowall for the game’s only try. Kahu converted, and the Kiwis led 8-2. England mobilised, and despite controlling the play for a large period they lacked the required cutting edge.

Kiwi stand-off Peta Hiku reached the line but England sub Brett Ferres prevented a certain try with a last ditch intervention. Luke missed a penalty and the chance to put distance between the two teams. It seemed to prove costly as Josh Hodgson’s kick fell to Graham for what was deemed to be a try, but video referees James Child and Phil Bentham said otherwise and ruled that Graham failed to ground the ball. A Nikorima try was also disallowed by both referees. The visitors completed a series-saving win with a Kahu drop goal four minutes from the final whistle.

The three game series now moves onto the third game next Saturday at Wigan’s DW Stadium.

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