After quarrelling over an Adrian Morley tackle in the build-up to the game, the RFL have now accused their rivals of over-using trainers and water carriers.

Nigel Wood says the Kiwis upset players and fans by constantly sending non-playing personnel onto the pitch.

"It spoils the spectacle and, in many cases, is not appreciated by the players," said the RFL chief executive.

The sight of one, two and sometimes three non-playing personnel scurrying around the pitch is a blight on the game Nigel Wood

This season the RFL have clamped down on the use of trainers and water carriers in Super League, but international rules are less stringent.

Wood added: "The sight of one, two and sometimes three non-playing personnel scurrying around the pitch, actively and continuously coaching players and directing play, is a blight on the game and one which infuriates many supporters.

"Of course physios need unfettered access and substitutions need to be enacted quickly and smoothly but what we witnessed on Saturday was blatant on-field coaching.

"People are paying good money to watch world-class athletes and don't want a coterie of hangers-on spoiling the game by running on to the pitch every two minutes to bark instructions from the bench.

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"That's why on Monday we're going to make a formal request to the NZRL to abide by the rules we have adopted in England."

The Lions took a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series by recording a 20-14 victory at the Galpharm Stadium.