women
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The Black Ferns suffered a major blow ahead of their own WXV Global Series opener against France, losing co-captain Ruahei Demant to a calf injury.
The 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year played 10 minutes off the bench against the Springbok Women at FNB Stadium on Saturday, finishing the test as New Zealand posted a 52-20 victory as part of the historic Greatest Rivalry series doubleheader.
However, the team will now be without the services of an inspirational leader for heavyweight fights France and Scotland, and when they get their goal in England’s 38-match winning streak at the Allianz Stadium.
Demant’s 56 Test caps are the most of any player in the New Zealand camp. With her injury, Georgia Ponsonby will go from co-captain to sole leader in the area.
The Black Ferns coaching staff are yet to decide on a replacement, with an announcement expected in the coming days.
Hannah King remains the team’s only number 10 specialist following the departure of Demant.
