Jorja Miller has been ruled out of New Zealand’s semi-final against Canada in a huge blow to the Black Ferns’ hopes of defending their Rugby World Cup crown.

New Zealand are in for a tight game on Friday against Canada, who are ranked No 2 in the world, as the Black Ferns seek a place in a third successive final. Their most recent meeting ended in a 27-27 draw in the Pacific Four tournament.

The 21-year-old Miller has been one of the best players at this World Cup in attack and defence, scoring four tries and missing two tackles of the 39 attempted.

Miller’s injury and her predicted recovery have not been confirmed but she is working closely with the medical team. The co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu comes in at openside flanker. The lock Laura Bayfield, who has been used off the bench in this World Cup, is also out.

The Black Ferns director of rugby, Allan Bunting, said: “At the moment both of our players have requested privacy around the injuries. It’s a semi-final, we are pretty excited.

“Obviously we don’t have Jorja but we’ve got this lady sitting next to me [Tukuafu] and Layla Sae comes on the bench who was massively impressive in her first couple of games. They bring their own presence and special gifts. We have a strong team this weekend.”

Quick GuideNew Zealand team to play CanadaShow

Ashton Gate, 7pm, Friday 19 September

Holmes; Sorensen-McGee, Waaka, Brunt, Woodman-Wickliffe; Demant (co-capt), Pouri-Lane; Viliko, Ponsonby, Kalounivale, Roos, A Bremner, Mikaele-Tu’u, Tukuafu (co-capt), Tukuafu. Replacements Lolohea, Henwood, Rule, C Bremner, Sae, Joseph, Setefano, Leti-I’iga

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Of Miller’s influence, Tukuafu said: “I go to her if I need her help in the position because she has been starting. She is an incredible player but we haven’t felt her presence leave at all and she continues to serve the team in a different way. We all know she is going to do everything she needs to do.”

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New Zealand have already had one player ruled out for the rest of the tournament with Amy du Plessis out with a shoulder injury, with the outside back Mererangi Paul called up as a replacement.

Miller is one of four changes to the Black Ferns’ starting XV, with Sylvia Brunt back in the centres, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane starting at scrum-half and Tanya Kalounivale at tighthead prop. Ruahei Demant retains her fly-half role and will win her 50th cap against Canada in Bristol to become the third-highest capped Black Fern of all-time behind Kendra Cocksedge and Fiao’o Fa’amausili.