Kiwi forward Sam Rapira is picked up by Great Britain defenders during the first test in Huddersfield. Photo / Getty Images
British officials want the Kiwis to restrict their use of trainers and water carriers on the pitch over the rest of their three-test rugby league series.
They are seeking formal talks tomorrow with the New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) over what they describe as "blatant on-field coaching".
The
aim of the talks is to convince the NZRL to agree to regulations used in Britain's Super League.
This year's Super League competition was played under new rules that limited non-playing personnel on the pitch to specific circumstances, like making a substitution.
Rugby Football League chief executive Nigel Wood today said the changes had been "widely acclaimed" for tidying up the field of play.
International rules were less stringent and Great Britain's 20-14 first test win in Huddersfield yesterday weekend had been "marred by the regular and frequent appearance" of non-playing New Zealanders.
"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," Wood said.
"It spoils the spectacle and, in many cases, is not appreciated by the players themselves."
He said physios obviously needed unfettered access and substitutions had to be made quickly and smoothly.
"But what we witnessed was blatant on-field coaching."
He believed the enjoyment of fans would be increased if the Super League rules were adopted for the upcoming tests in Hull and Wigan.
- NZPA
View photos