By Lucy Thomson in Exeter
Sylvia Brunt of New Zealand is tackled, 2025 World Cup. Photo: Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz
The defending champion Black Ferns are facing a midfield injury crisis five days out from their World Cup semi-final against Canada, with an unnamed player flying to England as cover.
New Zealand team management has confirmed to RNZ that a replacement back had been called into the squad, though they are tight-lipped on who that player will be.
Three of the side's four specialist midfielders are in doubt for the clash with world No.2 Canada in Bristol.
Seasoned second five-eighth Theresa Setefano failed a head injury assessment during the 46-17 quarterfinal win over South Africa on Sunday morning and is likely to be ruled out under World Rugby's mandatory 12-day minimum stand-down protocols.
Theresa Setefano scores for New Zealand Black Ferns against South Africa, 2025 World Cup. Photo: www.photosport.nz
Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu Atai'i Sylvia Brunt is also in doubt after suffering delayed symptoms from her second head knock this tournament, sustained during the final pool match against Ireland a week ago.
Meanwhile, Amy du Plessis is definitely out for the remainder of the tournament with a shoulder injury.
Centre Stacey Waaka is the only specialist midfielder thought to be fit to face Canada in what shapes as a clash of two evenly matched sides.
Amy du Plessis of New Zealand , 2025 World Cup. Photo: www.photosport.nz / Matthew Impey
The replacement player is expected to be confirmed late on Monday night.
There are only a handful of realistic candidates who could be called in as replacements.
One option is 21-year-old Hannah King, who was part of the Black Ferns' Pacific Four Series squad in May but missed out on World Cup selection.
Although usually a first-five, she has the versatility to slot into the midfield and was notably absent from Canterbury's Farah Palmer Cup side that beat Auckland on Sunday.
Another possible candidate is 26-year-old Mererangi Paul, who also featured in the Black Ferns squad earlier this year and has primarily been used as a fullback or wing.
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