Chris Hill on England's series win over New Zealand

After riding out a poor first half, the way in which the men in white stormed back in the game’s final quarter meant the Baskerville Shield will be staying on these shores.

Just as in the last series against the Kiwis, Warrington Wolves skipper Chris Hill played his part and he thinks this victory tops the 2-1 triumph in 2015 against a side he rates as the best in the world currently.

“They came over here after convincingly beating the Aussies,” he said.

“I watched that game and the Aussies were lucky to get as close as they did. They were on a high after that.

“Off form, New Zealand were the best team in the world coming into this.

“We just concentrated on ourselves and what we do well.”

England celebrate Tommy Makinson's winning try at Anfield. Picture by Mike Boden

Indeed it was a well-earned victory for England, and credit has to be given to them for staying in the fight in a first half in which New Zealand were dominant.

They found metres easy to come by, while England struggled for territory and when they did get the ball, they were lacking the craft to break down the Kiwis.

The home side could have perhaps considered themselves fortunate to have gone into half-time on level terms, with Tommy Makinson and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak swapping tries.

Even in an improved effort in the early stages of the second half, it looked as if the game was getting away from them when Ken Maumalo’s try and a Shaun Johnson penalty put them two scores behind.

What followed, however, was special.

The England left-edge was causing all kinds of problems, with Jake Connor showing quick hands to send Makinson over again before exhibiting great strength to cross himself.

Makinson – undoubtedly England’s stand-out player for his work in defence as well as attack – then provided the gamebreaker to send Anfield wild.

England were forced onto the defensive for much of the first half, but improved markedly after the break. Picture by Mike Boden

“It was 6-6 at half-time and we didn’t even play our best stuff. After that, we were outstanding,” Hill said.

“We knew they would come out firing.

“They were desperate after losing the first game, so there was a lot more emphasis on this one for them.

“We weren’t playing well, but the effort and desire from our lads when things weren’t going our way was unbelievable.”

Hill and Warrington teammate Daryl Clark were the first two cabs off the rank in terms of interchanges – a role they are not accustomed to with their club.

However, the Wire skipper says he was happy to impact the game in whatever way he could.

Clark put in a promising display off the bench, as he and Josh Hodgson operated as a “double pivot” either side of the break.

However, his participation was ended early as he was forced off with a fractured rib with England 12-6 down.

“Daz was going really well. Wayne just told him to run and cause havoc and that’s what he was doing,” Hill said of his Wire teammate.

“He just caught a knee but hopefully he’ll have a speedy recovery.

Daryl Clark is helped off after suffering a fractured rib. Picture by Mike Boden

“I’ve come off the bench and if that’s my job, that’s my job. I’ll do anything for the team.

“The lads who have come in have been outstanding. George Burgess has been missing for a year and Thommo (Luke Thompson) is new to it.

“We have a club culture here, so people can just come in and blend straight in.

“Whether I’m coming off the bench or starting, it makes no odds to me.

“I just want to put my stamp on a game in whatever way.”

Hill backs into Martin Tapau. Picture by Mike Boden

England can now head to Leeds for Sunday’s final Test safe in the knowledge that, whatever the outcome, the Baskerville Shield is theirs.

However, Hill played down any suggestions that they would be winding down.

“We’ll enjoy this win as a group,” he said.

“You have to enjoy these moments as they don’t come around often.

“We’ll regroup again up in Leeds and we’ll be going all out to make it 3-0 at Elland Road.”

Hill applauds the Anfield crowd. Picture by Mike Boden