Australia is hopeful Tamika Upton will return from injury for the Pacific Championships final, after the Jillaroos fullback was ruled out of Sunday’s group match against New Zealand in Auckland.
Two-time Dally M medallist Upton succumbed to a calf strain on Friday, opening the door for Abbi Church to make her Test debut at fullback at Auckland’s Eden Park.
The Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns have already qualified for the Pacific Championships final, which will be played in Parramatta on November 9.
“Tamika pulled up on Tuesday’s training with calf soreness, so our performance staff just took some precautionary actions and wanted to get that checked out,” Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner said.
“It’s been a really long season for Tamika and she has had issues with the calf previously.
“She’s got a minor strain, so it’s best that we look after her and work towards getting her back for next week.”
Upton scored two tries for the Jillaroos in their 60-0 thrashing of Fetū Sāmoa in last Sunday’s Test in Brisbane.
The Jillaroos have also lost reserve forward Mackenzie Weale for the rest of the tournament with a pelvis injury.
Weale had been named on an extended bench to face the Kiwi Ferns.
Abbi Church will make her Test debut for the Jillaroos on Sunday. (Getty Images: Cameron Spencer)
Upton’s injury hands Church a fitting opportunity to debut.
The Parramatta star impressed for NSW in State of Origin this year and was part of Australia’s extended squad for last year’s Pacific Championships.
“It’s a great opportunity for Abbi to make a debut, someone who’s been part of the campaign over the last two years,” Skinner said.
“She’s been working really hard, has had a great season as well, so it’s another opportunity for a debutant.”
AAP