New Zealand's hopes of a fourth successive Women's Rugby
World Cup title have been dealt a blow with the news that utility
back Amiria Rule has been ruled out of the tournament with a knee
injury.
Rule (nee Marsh), who is comfortable at inside and outside
centre as well as full back, was one of the stars of the 2006 World
Cup in Canada and scored a try late in the final against England to
secure a third straight title for New Zealand.
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The 27-year-old had worked hard to make the Black Ferns squad
after suffering a serious knee injury earlier in the year, but will
now miss out on her third appearance on the Women's Rugby World
Cup stage.
Her place will be taken by 45-year-old fly half Anna
Richards, the most capped player in Black Ferns history with 44
tests who has been a key figure in New Zealand's three
successive World Cup wins.
"Amiria is understandably very disappointed and we all
feel for her, as we know how hard she has worked to get to her
third World Cup," admitted Black Ferns coach Brian Evans.
"We are lucky enough to have someone of Anna's
experience step up, for what will be her fourth Women's Rugby
World Cup."
New Zealand will face an improving South Africa on the
opening day of the World Cup on 20 August, before tackling
Australia four days later and then Wales on 28 August with only the
Pool A winner guaranteed a spot in the semi finals.
