League: The moment that cost the Kiwis a test win over England

New Zealand's Joseph Manu dejected after his side loses to England.Photo / Photosport

The Kiwis may feel hard done by after losing their second test against England in Liverpool through a controversial late try.

With the scores tied at 14-14 and with seven minutes to go, England winger Tommy Makinson burst through the Kiwis defence to score what was the match-winning try, completing his hat-trick.

However, closer inspection of the grounding showed that Makinson appeared to have lost the ball as he reached for the try line.

The try was awarded on the field but sent up to the TMO, where video referee Ben Thaler saw no reason not to award the try, despite replays showing separation between Makinson's hand and the ball.

Regardless, the Kiwis blew their chance to tie the series, crumbling through multiple errors and poor defence after leading 14-6 early in the match.

Tommy Makinson of England reaches out for the try line. Photo / Getty

The Kiwis will only have pride to play for when the teams meet again next week in Leeds.

Kiwis captain Dallin Watene-Zelezniak expressed his disappointment at the result.

"I hate losing, personally, and I know these boys hate losing," he said.

"Just the way we've lost the last two weeks has been frustrating because we know we can play better.

"It's back on us again. Obviously, we've lost the series but we've got another game next week to try leave with at least one win. We can either make it a good or bad trip home."