By Lucy Thomson
Amy du Plessis runs with the ball during the Women’s Rugby World Cup pool C match against Spain in York. Photo: AFP / Adrian Dennis
Black Ferns midfielder Amy du Plessis' Rugby World Cup campaign has been cut short, with the shoulder injury she suffered during the opening match ruling her out for the remainder of the tournament.
The 26-year-old was set to make her return off the bench in this weekend's quarterfinal clash against South Africa in Exeter, but coach Tony Christie said, "Unfortunately we couldn't get her across the line."
"She'd had some scans, ticked some initial boxes, we were really confident with how she was tracking and then the final part was just getting through a few physical boxes, the contact side of it, to tick that - and unfortunately she didn't."
Du Plessis will remain in England, alongside her whanau, to support the team for the remainder of the competition.
"She's grieving like any loss, heartbroken, and the team are all rallying around to support her," Christie said.
"We all feel for her it's something that you wouldn't wish upon anyone," fellow midfielder Theresa Setefano said.
Black Ferns management confirmed they will fly over an additional player for the remainder of the tournament, but remained tightlipped on who it might be.
"We've reached out to that player, but as I said there's some final boxes to tick through before they can get on the plane," Christie said. "It will be a back replacement and that's all I can say at this point."
Christie expected the player to be on the ground in England at the start of next week.
In the meantime, Katelyn Vahaakolo has been called up to the matchday squad to replace Amy Du Plessis on the bench.
"KV is ready to go. She's practiced all through the last weeks when she hasn't been playing, she's got amazing speed and ability to beat someone one-on-one so although we're gutted for Dupes, it provides an opportunity for KV."
Christie said the injury also highlighted the importance of depth at big tournaments.
"We said right from the start we're going to need 42 [players] plus, and there is going to be moments like this that we've prepared for, right through our squad, and we had extended squads to make sure players were ready to come in if called upon."
The Black Ferns' quarterfinal against the Springbok Women kicks off at midnight on Saturday night (New Zealand time).
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