England hang on to sink Kiwis

England have beaten New Zealand 20-14 in the third and final rugby league Test at Wigan, to claim the series 2-1.

England captain Sean O'Loughlin scored a late try in the wet Wigan stadium, after forward Elliot Whitehead scored twice to the visitors' own three tries.

O'Loughlin powered over eight minutes from time to put England 20-6 ahead against the world's top-ranked side, but the Kiwis fought back in the closing minutes, Samoan-born Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Jordan Kahu grabbing tries to set up a tense finale.

However England hung on to seal their first series win over either World Cup winners Australia or No.1-ranked New Zealand since 2007.

England led 8-6 at half-time, winger Jason Nightingale crossing for the Kiwis after Whitehead had helped the hosts into an early 8-0 lead.

Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney said afterwards he wished his team had played better throughout the whole game.

"More disappointed in that I didn't think we played our best game today," Kearney said.

"Today's contest was (a) bit like the whole tournament, it's been a real see-saw affair but I just didn't think we played our best game today."

England won the first Test 26-12 and New Zealand took the second 9-2 to level the series.

 

     

Author: 
Radio New Zealand International