Drug testers swoop on Kiwis

Kiwis ... were surprised by the arrival of drug testers. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

Anti-doping agents have sprung random drug tests on the New Zealand team ahead of Friday night's Anzac Test against Australia in Canberra.

New Zealand players and officials were stunned when a large contingent of officials from Drug Free Sport New Zealand arrived at the team hotel on Tuesday night.

"They certainly turned up in numbers," reported one Kiwi player.

It is understood that between "eight to 10" players were tested. Drug Free Sport is the equivalent of Australia's anti-doping authority ASADA.

News of the move shocked the Australian camp because drug-testing rarely happens during the lead-up to a Test.

There have been lingering fears that ASADA investigators would interview players of interest in the current probe into peptide use during the build-up to the Test, proving an unwanted distraction for the likes of Sharks skipper Paul Gallen.

Tuesday night's drug tests have nothing to do with that investigation, and some league officials on Wednesday night saw the bizarre move as grandstanding from the New Zealand authority.

New Zealand Rugby League high-performance manager Tony Iro last night confirmed the drug tests had taken place.

"We have no issue with it - we can see why there would be interest given the current climate," Iro said.

"We work together with Drug Free Sport New Zealand all the time.

"We tested about a dozen times a year but we haven't been tested in camp for a few years, so it was probably time it happened. We weren't that surprised and we're not worried," he said.

Of greater importance for the Kiwis was news that halfback Shaun Johnson will take his place in the side despite lingering concerns about an injured quad and knee.

The Warriors playmaker, who was selected in place of the injured Benji Marshall, has resorted to acupuncture in a bid to play in the Test alongside halves partner Kieran Foran.

"I'm sweet to go," Johnson told New Zealand media.

It is a timely boost for the Kiwis, who would be forced to play utility forward Elijah Taylor in the halves if Johnson was ruled out.

Taylor might still be forced to move into the halves if Johnson aggravates the injuries on Friday night, after coach Stephen Kearney controversially opted against selecting Warriors pocket rocket Thomas Leuluai.

Both Australia and New Zealand will have their final training sessions on Thursday ahead of the Test which the Kiwis have not won since 1998. 

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