Black Ferns Face Midfield Scramble Ahead of Crucial World Cup Quarterfinal
Exeter, England – Teh New Zealand black Ferns are grappling wiht a meaningful midfield crisis as they prepare to face Canada in the quarterfinal of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Injuries and health concerns have left the team with limited specialist options for the pivotal position,possibly impacting their chances in a closely anticipated match.
The Black Ferns’ midfield depth has been severely tested, with center Stacey Waaka currently the only fully fit specialist midfielder. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai’i Sylvia Brunt is doubtful after experiencing delayed symptoms from a head knock sustained during the pool match against Ireland on September 7th. Additionally, Amy du Plessis has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to a shoulder injury. The team expects to confirm a replacement player late Monday night.
Potential replacements include 21-year-old Hannah King, who was part of the Black Ferns’ Pacific Four Series squad earlier this year and can play first-five or midfield. King was absent from Canterbury’s Farah palmer Cup victory over Auckland on Sunday. Another candidate is 26-year-old Mererangi Paul, typically a fullback or wing, who also featured in the Black Ferns’ earlier 2025 squad.
The black Ferns and Canada are considered evenly matched,making the midfield composition a critical factor in determining the outcome of the quarterfinal clash at Sandy park.
