Jorja Miller has been ruled out of New Zealand’s Women’s Rugby World Cup semi-final against Canada in a blow to the reigning champions’ hopes of defending their title.

The 21-year-old back-row has been one of the outstanding players of the tournament, scoring four tries as well as impressing in defence.

New Zealand, the record six-time women’s world champions, have yet to confirm the precise nature of Miller’s injury, nor her expected recovery time, with Friday’s match against Canada in Bristol followed by a September 27 finals day at Twickenham featuring both a third-place play-off anf the final itself.

Miller’s place at openside flanker has been taken by Kennedy Tukuafu, New Zealand’s co-captain.

Tukuafu is one of four changes to the starting XV following New Zealand’s 46-17 quarter-

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