Black Ferns suffer massive injury blow ahead of Women's Rugby World Cup Quarter-Final

Friday, 12 September 2025 at 16:22

byTom Sansom

The Black Ferns have been dealt a major setback ahead of their Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 quarter-final against South Africa, with centre Amy du Plessis ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to a shoulder injury.

Du Plessis, a key part of New Zealand’s midfield, will remain in England with the Black Ferns to begin her rehabilitation. In her absence, outside back Katelyn Vahaakolo has been called into the matchday squad for Saturday’s knockout clash in Exeter, where she will hope to make an impact from the bench.

Head coach Allan Bunting expressed both pride and empathy as he confirmed the news. "On behalf of the coaching group, I’d like to congratulate all our players named tonight in front of their whānau. We are really excited about this group and truly believe they can take us to the next level," Bunting said. He added: "While it’s an exciting time for those selected, I’d like to acknowledge the players who have missed out. Their contribution to the black jersey and to our team this year has been immense, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without them."

New Zealand arrive in the quarter-finals in strong form, having swept Pool C with dominant wins, including a 40–0 shutout of Ireland where teenage star Braxton Sorensen-McGee stole the headlines with a hat-trick. The 18-year-old winger has been one of the breakout stars of the tournament, bringing pace and flair to a backline already brimming with firepower from veterans like Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Stacey Waaka.

Bunting has opted for four changes to his starting XV, with Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu handed a start at tighthead, Kaipo Olsen-Baker moving to number eight, and Maia Joseph taking over at scrum-half. Theresa Setefano replaces the injured Sylvia Brunt at inside centre, slotting in alongside Waaka in midfield.

Their opponents, South Africa, come into the clash on the back of a heavy 57–10 defeat to France, where they were reduced to 14 players early on. Still, their historic progression to a first-ever Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final marks a significant milestone for the Springbok Women. Coach Swys de Bruin has made 10 changes, restoring senior figures such as captain Nolusindiso Booi, playmaker Libbie Janse van Rensburg and dynamic back-rower Sizophila Solontsi. Notably, the Boks have gone with a bold seven-one bench split, echoing the men’s infamous "bomb squad" tactic.

With their pace, power, and pedigree as reigning champions, the Black Ferns head into Saturday’s showdown as firm favourites. But South Africa’s physicality and hunger to push their journey further promises a bruising encounter at Sandy Park.

New Zealand Starting XV:

Chryss Viliko, 2. Georgia Ponsonby, 3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos, 5. Alana Bremner, 6. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, 7. Jorja Miller, 8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker, 9. Maia Joseph, 10. Ruahei Demant (c), 11. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, 12. Theresa Setefano, 13. Stacey Waaka, 14. Braxton Sorensen-McGee, 15. Renee Holmes.

New Zealand Replacements:
16. Atlanta Lolohea, 17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, 18. Kate Henwood, 19. Laura Bayfield, 20. Kennedy Tukuafu, 21. Iritana Hohaia, 22. Katelyn Vahaakolo, 23. Ayesha Leti-Iiga.

South Africa Starting XV:

Sanelisiwe Charlie, 2. Lindelwa Gwala, 3. Babalwa Latsha (c), 4. Nolusindiso Booi, 5. Danelle Lochner, 6. Sizophila Solontsi, 7. Sinazo Mcatshulwa, 8. Aseza Hele, 9. Nadine Roos, 10. Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 11. Ayanda Malinga, 12. Aphiwe Ngwevu, 13. Zintle Mpupha, 14. Maceala Samboya, 15. Byrhandré Dolf.

South Africa Replacements:
16. Luchell Hanekom, 17. Yonela Ngxingolo, 18. Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19. Vainah Ubisi, 20. Anathi Qolo, 21. Lerato Makua, 22. Catha Jacobs, 23. Eloise Webb.