Black Ferns coach’s update on Amy du Plessis after World Cup-ending injury

Black Ferns assistant coach Tony Christie has provided more detail on the unfortunate injury that has brought an end to Amy du Plessis’s 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, with the team confirming on Friday that the centre’s tournament is over.

Du Plessis suffered a shoulder injury during New Zealand’s 54-8 win over Spain in the first round of pool play. While du Plessis was set to return this weekend against South Africa, having been named on the bench, the Black Ferns have made a change to their lineup.

Christie revealed in a press conference the 22-Test midfielder “couldn’t get across the line” with return to play protocols. Katelyn Vahaakolo has been called into the 23 in the reserves, with the winger in line to make her second appearance at this World Cup.

Bok Women captain Nolusindiso Booi on last RWC

Bok Women captain Nolusindiso Booi on last RWC

On the eve of New Zealand’s crunch quarter-final against South Africa, Christie also confirmed that a replacement will be flown in to join the squad – of course that’s dependent on the Black Ferns progressing to the semi-final stage of the competition.

Christie said management staff have reached out to the player that is set to replace du Plessis, but “there’s some final boxes to tick through before they can get on the plane.” The assistant coach also opened up on how du Plessis is doing after receiving this tournament-ending news.

“It’s initial grief. It is like any loss in your life and something that you’re very driven [about] and you’ve worked hard for three years and there’s obviously hurt there,” Christie told reporters.

“She’s a very hard-working athlete who cares a lot for the black jersey.

“One thing I know about Dupes, she’s had setbacks in her career and each time she’s come back better than before so we’re expecting Dupes to do that, and we’ll get around her and support her as a management group with that return.”

Vahaakolo has played one Test at this World Cup, scoring a try in a start against Spain at Sandy Park in Exeter. Braxton Sorensen-McGee and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe have otherwise been used as the first-choice wingers, with Ayesha Leti-I’iga providing cover on the bench.

In both Super Rugby Aupiki and the Test arena, Vahaakolo has been among the standouts over the last couple of seasons. Vahaakolo scored four tries in a single Test last year, which was against the Wallaroos at Brisbane’s Ballymore Stadium.

“KV is ready to go. She’s practised all through the last weeks when she hasn’t been playing,” Christie explained.

“She’s got amazing speed and ability to beat someone one-on-one.

“Although we’re gutted for Dupes, it provides an opportunity for KV and what an athlete she is.”

Tickets are still available for the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals and can be purchased HERE.

Director of Performance Allan Bunting has selected a strong lineup, with Ruahei Demant and Kennedy Tukuafu sharing the leadership duties. Tukuafu will provide impact off the bench, while Demant has been named to start in the halves alongside Maia Joseph.

HSBC SVNS Series star Jorja Miller starts at openside flanker, joining Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Kaipo Olsen-Baker in the backrow. Olsen-Baker was also injured against Spain, but the No. 8 has been made available to play in the quarter-final.

In the backline, Theresa Setefano and Stacey Waaka will combine in the midfield, three years after they starred in New Zealand’s run to World Cup glory on home soil. They join Sorensen-McGee, Woodman-Wickliffe and Renee Holmes in the backline.

“We’ve worked really hard on our style of play being adaptable to each opposition that we play and the different styles that we come up against.”

“We want to keep our unique DNA and that’s playing fast, expansive rugby.”