Defending champions New Zealand be without superstar sevens convert Jorja Miller in their Women's Rugby World Cup semi-final clash with Canada.
An unspecified injury has seen Miller left out of the team for Saturday morning's clash with world, however the 22-year-old played with a heavily strapped left knee in the 46-17 quarter-final victory over South Africa before going off early in the second half.
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Co-caption Kennedy Tukuafu replaces Miller in one of four changes to the starting line-up to face world number two Canada, joining Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Kaipo Olsen-Baker in the loose forwards with Layla Sae providing bench cover.
“[Miller is] an incredible person, but she’s also done a lot for the team off-field, she does a lot for me. I go to her if I need help and she’s an incredible player,” Tukuafu told reporters in Bristol.
“We haven’t felt her presence leave for once and she continues to serve the team in a different way. We all know that she’s going to do everything she needs to do.”
Sylvia Brunt returns at centre after missing the quarter-final victory under HIA protocols, Risi Pouri-Lane replaces Maia Joseph at scrumhalf and the more experienced Tanya Kalounivale has been preferred at tighthead to Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu.
There's added motivation for New Zealand with co-captain Ruahei Demant set to become the third Black Fern after Kendra Cocksedge and Fiao'o Fa'amausili to reach 50 Test caps.
“Ruahei is an exceptional human. She leads our team with so much pride, she’s powerful in her words. Nothing changes for her, she’s going to go out there and do her job,” Tukuafu said.
“She’s going to lead our team as she does and 50 games is an amazing milestone, but I know that she’d say ‘It’s just another game’. She’s been amazing for our group, especially this week.”
Meanwhile, Canada have named an unchanged 23 from their quarter final matchday squad that defeated Australian 46-5.
Star Canadian flanker Karen Paquin will bring up her 50th Test cap for a side that won't be overawed by the Black Ferns after registering a win and a draw (both in New Zealand) from their past two meetings.
“We have shown over the past two years that we are one of the best teams in the world, and our last two results against New Zealand support that,” Canada coach Kevin Rouet said in a statement.
“We have every reason to believe that we can win this game. On Friday, we take another step toward the ultimate goal we have been building toward over our first four games and the last three years. It will be a short week of preparation, but the team will be ready.”
The winners advance to the September 27 final to meet England or France, who play their semi-final at Ashton Gate on Saturday.
BLACK FERNS (1-15): Chryss Viliko, Goergia Ponsonby, Tanya Kalounivale, Maia Roos, Alanan Bremner, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Kennedy Tukuafu (cc), Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Risi Pouri-Lane, Ruahei Demant (cc), Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Sylvia Brunt, Stacey Waaka, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Renee Holmes
Replacements: Atlanta Lolohea, Kate Henwood, Amy Rule, Chelsea Bremner, Layla Sa'e, Maia Joseph, Theresa Setefano, Ayesha Leti-I'iga
CANADA (1-15): McKinley Hunt, Emily Tuttosi, DaLeaka Menin, Sophie de Goede, Courtney O'Donnell, Caroline Crossley, Karen Paquin, Fabiola Forteza, Justine Pelletier, Taylor Perry, Asia Hogan-Rochester, Alexandra Tessier, Florence Symonds, Alysha Corrigan, Julia Schell
Replacements: Gillian Boag, Brittany Kassil, Olivia DeMarchant, Tyson Beukeboom, Laetitia Royer, Gabrielle Senft, Olivia Apps, Shoshanah Seumanutafa
