New Zealand have been dealt a significant injury blow with rising star Jorja Miller ruled out of their Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against Canada.
Flanker Miller, the current World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year, has enjoyed a standout tournament after making her 15-a-side international debut earlier this year having helped New Zealand to gold at Paris 2024 last summer.
But the 21-year-old will miss Friday night’s clash with Canada at Ashton Gate, with co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu promoted off the bench to start on the openside.
In better news for the Black Ferns, centre Sylvia Brunt is back available after recovering from a concussion, while fly half and co-captain Ruahei Demant will win her 50th cap in Bristol.
“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,” head coach Allan Bunting said.
“Ruahei embodies mana and everything that a Black Fern should be through her authenticity. She has a calm but strong presence on the field, when Ruahei speaks she has powerful influence, her words and conviction connects our circle in a special way. She leads by example and empowers others around her.”
Tighthead prop Tanya Kalounivale also returns to the starting side with scrum half Risi Pouri-Lane preferred to Maia Joseph at scrum half.
All-time leading Black Ferns try scorer Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and breakthrough teenage talent Braxton Sorensen-McGee again form a potent wing combination.
Canada, meanwhile, are unchanged from their quarter-final win over Australia, with coach Kevin Rouet again keeping six forwards in reserve.
Canada secured their first win over the world champions during the Pacific Four Series last year before the two sides shared a thrilling 27-all draw in May.
New Zealand XV to face Canada in Bristol (Friday 19 September, 7pm BST): 1 Chryss Viliko, 2 Georgia Ponsonby, 3 Tanya Kalounivale; 4 Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 5 Alana Bremner; 6 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 7 Kennedy Tukuafu (co-capt.), 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker; 9 Risi Pouri-Lane, 10 Ruahei Demant; 11 Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, 12 Sylvia Brunt, 13 Stacey Waaka, 14 Braxton Sorensen-McGee; 15 Renee Holmes.
Replacements: 16 Atlanta Lolohea, 17 Kate Henwood, 18 Amy Rule, 19 Chelsea Bremner, 20 Layla Sae; 21 Maia Joseph, 22 Theresa Setefano, 23 Ayesha Leti-I’iga.
Canada XV: 1 McKinley Hunt, 2 Emily Tuttosi, 3 DaLeaka Menin; 4 Sophie de Goede, 5 Courtney O’Donnell; 6 Caroline Crossley, 7 Karen Paquin, 8 Fabiola Forteza; 9 Justine Pelletier, 10 Taylor Perry; 11 Asia Hogan-Rochester, 12 Alex Tessier (capt.), 13 Florence Symonds, 14 Alysha Corrigan; 15 Julia Schell.
Replacements: 16 Gillian Boag, 17 Brittany Kassil, 18 Olivia DeMerchant, 19 Tyson Beukeboom, 20 Laetitia Royer, 21 Gabrielle Senft; 22 Olivia Apps, 23 Shoshanah Seumanutafa.
