Black Ferns Face Canada Without Star Flanker Jorja Miller

The Black Ferns will compete in the World Cup semi-final against Canada this weekend without their standout flanker, Jorja Miller, who has been ruled out due to injury. The match, scheduled to take place in Bristol, marks a significant challenge for the defending champions as they face the second-ranked Canadian team, aiming to secure a place in their third consecutive World Cup final.

In Miller’s absence, co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu will step in at openside flanker. This match is particularly momentous for co-captain Ruahei Demant, who is set to earn her 50th Test cap, joining the ranks of elite players. She will celebrate this milestone alongside Ayesha Leti-I’iga, who will make her 30th Test appearance off the bench.

The Black Ferns’ lineup features a robust front row with Tanya Kalounivale at tighthead prop, Chryss Viliko at loosehead prop, and Georgia Ponsonby as hooker. The locking duo consists of Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Alana Bremner, while Tukuafu is supported by Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Kaipo Olsen-Baker, who recently earned the Player of the Match title against South Africa.

In the backline, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane will partner with Demant in the halves. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i and Sylvia Brunt will reunite in the midfield, while Braxton Sorensen-McGee, currently the tournament’s top points scorer with 52 points, starts on the wing alongside Portia Woodman-Wickliffe. Renee Holmes retains her position as the starting fullback.

Returning to the 23-player squad are Amy Rule, Chelsea Bremner, and Layla Sae, along with Atlanta Lolohea, Kate Henwood, Maia Joseph, and Theresa Setefano. With Demant’s achievement, she will become the third most capped Black Fern, following former players Kendra Cocksedge (68 caps) and Fiao’o Faamausili (57 caps).

Head coach Allan Bunting expressed confidence in the team’s readiness for the challenge, stating, “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.”

The Black Ferns are determined to overcome the absence of Miller and deliver a strong performance against Canada as they strive for another World Cup final appearance.