Black Ferns lose Jorja Miller for semi-final against Canada

New Zealand loose forward Jorja Miller will miss the Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against Canada after suffering an injury.

Miller, who transitioned impressively from Sevens rugby, started the quarter-final against South Africa with heavy strapping on her left knee but had to leave the field early in the second half. Her absence is a major setback for the Black Ferns as she has been one of the standout performers in this campaign.

Kennedy Tukuafu, who co-captained New Zealand during their 2021 World Cup triumph, will replace Miller in the starting line-up.

Head coach Allan Bunting has made three further changes to the team. Sylvia Brunt returns at centre after missing the quarter-final due to a head knock, Risi Pouri-Lane has been selected at scrum-half in place of Maia Joseph, and Tanya Kalounivale has been preferred at tighthead prop ahead of Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu.

The semi-final clash between New Zealand and Canada will be played on Friday, 19 September.

The winner will advance to the Women’s Rugby World Cup final on 27 September, where they will face either England or France.

New Zealand XV: Holmes; Sorensen-McGee, Waaka, Brunt, Woodman-Wickliffe; Demant (co-capt), Pouri-Lane; Viliko, Ponsonby, Kalounivale, Roos, A Bremner, Mikaele-Tu’u, Tukuafu (co-capt), Tukuafu.

Reserves: Lolohea, Henwood, Rule, C Bremner, Sae, Joseph, Setefano, Leti-I’iga