Black Ferns offer promising injury update on star trio

The Black Ferns emerged from their opening match of the Rugby World Cup with three injury concerns. Star No.8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker’s was of particular concern after being removed from the field in a medic’s cart.

An update issued by the team 15 hours after the match contained the positive news that Olsen-Baker, alongside fellow game one injury withdrawals Ayesha Leti-I’iga and Amy du Plessis, will remain with the team in England.

“Olsen-Baker has been cleared of a fracture to her ankle,” the statement read. The trio will require further assessment to determine a return-to-play timeline.

The bruising loose forward stayed down after getting her foot trapped in an awkward position during a strong carry into the Spanish defence. The 23-year-old was just 13 minutes into her Rugby World Cup debut and had claimed five carries and beaten three defenders in that time.

Her teammates, Leti-I’iga and du Plessis, suffered ankle and shoulder injuries, respectively. No word has been given on halfback Maia Joseph, who was a late withdrawal from the matchday squad after a training injury last week.

The Black Ferns travel to Exeter for game two of their title defence this week, as a date with Japan awaits at Sandy Park. The round two opponents sit at 11th in the world rankings, two spots above Spain, whom the Kiwis dispatched 54-8 in the first round.

Pool C’s other match of round one saw Ireland overcome Japan by 42-12. The Irish claimed a historic win over New Zealand in last year’s WXV1 tournament, further solidifying their status as a team not just on the rise but also breaking into the top five in the world rankings.

The rematch between the two nations, the only battle of two top-five-ranked nations in pool play, is slated for round three in Brighton.

Black Ferns Director of Rugby Allan Bunting will be hoping to have as many of his troops fit and healthy for the decisive round three fixture as possible.