Flanker Jorja Miller will miss the Black Ferns Rugby World Cup semifinal against Canada due to an undisclosed injury.
The 21-year-old - who is the team's third highest point scorer in the tournament and has scored four tries - left the field in the previous match with a heavily strapped knee.
Forward Laura Bayfield is also out with injury.
Black Ferns coach Allan Bunting wouldn't answer questions on what the nature of Miller's injury was, how serious it was and how long it may rule her out for.
"At the moment, both our players requested privacy around the injury. Our medical team are looking after them and they'll update on that soon," Bunting said.
Women's Sevens Player of the Year Miller has played a key role as the Black Ferns seek to defend their title.
With Canada's high-energy and versatile style of play, Miller's speed, agility, and physicality would have been valuable as her side seeks a place in the Twickenham final.
Miller was seen running forwards and backwards over a short distance as part of her rehabilitation in training today, to the side of the field from where the rest of the team prepared.
She left the field in the 46th minute against South Africa last week in what the team is reporting as the most physical match they've played.
Kennedy Tukuafu will wear the number seven jersey in her absence.
Bunting also would not answer questions about Bayfield's injury, with the Black Ferns media manager saying no extra information will be provided to respect player privacy.
This is a change from information the Black Ferns have provided on other player injuries in the tournament in other weeks. Brief comments have been shared publicly such as a player received a head knock or specifying the type of ankle injury.
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Team list for Black Ferns against Canada (Test caps):
1. Chryss Viliko (17)
2. Georgia Ponsonby (35)
3. Tanya Kalounivale (25)
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (36)
5. Alana Bremner (33)
6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (33)
7. Kennedy Tukuafu (33) – co-captain
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (14)
9. Risaleaana Pouri-Lane (5)
10. Ruahei Demant (49) – co-captain
11. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (32)
12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (27)
13. Stacey Waaka (30)
14. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (7)
15. Renee Holmes (27)
16. Atlanta Lolohea (9)
17. Kate Henwood (13)
18. Amy Rule (32)
19. Chelsea Bremner (23)
20. Layla Sae (17)
21. Maia Joseph (14)
22. Theresa Setefano (23)
23. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (29)
Unavailable due to injury: Jorja Miller and Laura Bayfield
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