New Zealand Rugby's lambasted The Rugby Championship schedule

They play six tests in as many weeks, but the point of contention is that the last test is set for December 12 in Sydney against Australia - meaning players will be in quarantine for Christmas.

NZR chief executive Mark Robinson says "we haven't agreed to this schedule and are disappointed at the announcement" in a media release sent minutes after the draw came through.

Drug Free Sport New Zealand boss Nick Paterson insists there's no need to panic over a lack of anti-doping testing during Covid-19 lockdown.

He says there was a global reduction in monitoring by as much as 95 per cent when the pandemic reached peak intensity.

Paterson says anti-doping can remain a legitimate tool to police the Tokyo Games, if they have a sustained six-month lead-in.

Batting, bowling and baby are the priorities for White Ferns parents Amy Satterthwaite and Lea Tahuhu ahead of their three-match Twenty20 series against Australia starting Saturday.

Daughter Grace is with them in Brisbane - a local nanny's helping out when the team trains.

Satterthwaite says there's no danger of tactics falling into rival hands.