ENGLAND'S test series with the Kiwis is now all square after New Zealand won a dour, scrappy low-scoring encounter 9-2 in London.

A crowd of 44,393 filed in for the historic first game of rugby league at the Olympic Stadium, but they were to leave disappointed.

Although they tackled well, Steve McNamara's side offered little with the ball in a dull, error-strewn, rudderless display.

They sorely lacked someone in the halves to give the team some direction and rare rely looked like scoring.

The only crossed the line once - when James Graham chased Josh Hodgson's grubber - but the video ref ruled that he had knocked on.

That happened nine minutes from time and would have levelled it.

Instead the Kiwis then went up to the other end with Jordan Kahu's drop goal making victory certain.

The first half started after torrential rain and that inhibited play - a dour first 40 minutes ending 2-2 with Issac Luke and Gareth Widdop exchanging penalties.

The Kiwis struck first with a couple of minutes of the restart when wing Shaun Kenny-Dowall nipped in at the corner.

England never really got hold of the game and barely threatened, often ending sets with aimless kicks, and just no real cutting edge.

They sorely needed halves to take on the line, ask questions and give the attack some teeth.

They have it all to do now at an already sold out Wigan if they are to seize this series.