The Black Ferns have received a positive injury report on loose forward Kaipo Olsen-Baker and outside backs Ayesha Leti-l’iga and Amy du Plessis following their World Cup pool victory over Spain in York.
Olsen-Baker was the biggest concern for the Black Ferns after the 54-8 win as she suffered a suspected broken ankle but scans have cleared her of any fracture and she, along with Leti-l’iga (ankle) and du Plessis (shoulder), has travelled with the squad to Exeter.
A statement from the Black Ferns said the timeframe for a return for the trio was yet to be confirmed but they are considered unlikely to be available for the team’s next match against Japan at Exeter’s Sandy Park on Monday morning NZT.
Olsen-Baker, wheeled off the pitch in tears after 14 minutes, would have feared the worst after missing the 2022 home World Cup because of a training injury.
The Black Ferns began the defence of their title with a straightforward eight-try victory and finished the match with 13 players due to a series of injuries and lack of replacements. Olsen-Baker had come off the bench at LNER Community Stadium.
After the Japan match the Black Ferns’ final pool game is against Ireland on September 8. The Irish, ranked fifth in the world behind New Zealand’s third, will be their sternest challenge ahead of the playoffs.
The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including possible changes to our driver licensing system, Lil Nas X charged over LA incident, and cheese dreams might be real? (Source: 1News)