New Zealand star Miller out of Women's Rugby World Cup semi-final / Photo: ISAAC LAWRENCE - AFP
New Zealand star Miller out of Women's Rugby World Cup semi-final
Jorja Miller has been ruled out of New Zealand's Women's Rugby World Cup semi-final against Canada in a blow to the reigning champions' hopes of defending their title.
The 21-year-old back-row has been one of the outstanding players of the tournament, scoring four tries as well as impressing in defence.
New Zealand, the record six-time women's world champions, have yet to confirm the precise nature of Miller's injury, nor her expected recovery time, with Friday's match against Canada in Bristol followed by a September 27 finals day at Twickenham featuring both a third-place play-off anf the final itself.
Miller's place at openside flanker has been taken by Kennedy Tukuafu, New Zealand's co-captain.
Tukuafu is one of four changes to the starting XV following New Zealand's 46-17 quarter-final win over South Africa, with Sylvia Brunt back in midfield, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane starting at scrum-half and Tanya Kalounivale at tighthead prop.
Co-captain Ruahei Demant retains her fly-half role and will win her 50th cap against Canada in Bristol to become the third-highest capped Black Fern of all-time.
"Ruahei embodies 'mana' and everything that a Black Fern should be through her authenticity," said coach Allan Bunting as he named his side Wednesday.
He added: "We are looking forward to this weekend and the challenge ahead, we are a different team, our game is in a different place and we have experience in pinnacle events under pressure.”
Canada, ranked number two in the world to New Zealand's three, are unbeaten in their last two meetings against the Black Ferns and are expected to give the title-holders their first real test of this World Cup.
In May, Canada and New Zealand played out a thrilling 27-27 draw in the Pacific Four tournament in Christchurch after Canada enjoyed their first win over the Black Ferns, 22-19, at the same venue last year.
Canada, who hammered Australia 46-5 in the last eight, are due to announce their side later Wednesday.
Saturday's second semi-final sees tournament hosts and favourites England, beaten in five of the last six World Cup finals by New Zealand, up against familiar foes France in a match also being staged at Bristol's Ashton Gate ground.
New Zealand (15-1)
Renee Holmes; Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Stacey Waaka, Sylvia Brunt, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe; Ruahei Demant (co-capt), Risaleaana Pouri-Lane; Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Kennedy Tukuafu (co-capt), Liana Mikaele-Tu'u; Alana Bremner, Maiakawanakaulani Roos; Tanya Kalounivale, Georgia Ponsonby, Chryss Viliko
Replacements: Atlanta Lolohea, Kate Henwood, Amy Rule, Chelsea Bremner, Layla Sae, Maia Joseph, Theresa Setefano, Ayesha Leti-I’iga
Coach: Allan Bunting (NZL)
M.Campbel--EWJ
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