New Zealand's Miller back for World Cup bronze clash with France / Photo: ISAAC LAWRENCE - AFP
New Zealand's Miller back for World Cup bronze clash with France
New Zealand rising star Jorja Miller has been recalled for Saturday's Women's Rugby World Cup third-placed play-off with France after she missed last week's semi-final loss to Canada.
Injury sidelined the 21-year-old flanker as the defending champions fell 34-19 to an inspired Canada side in Bristol.
It was the Black Ferns' first defeat at a World Cup since 2014.
Miller will be joined in the back row at Twickenham by Liana Mikaele-Tu'u and Kaipo Olsen-Baker after a week in which she was nominated for World Rugby's player of the year and breakthrough player of the year awards.
New Zealand teenage wing Braxton Sorensen-McGee has also been nominated for the breakthrough award.
Laura Bayfield returns in the second row, with an unchanged back-line meaning Portia Woodman-Wickliffe could be playing her final Test.
"We've been gifted another opportunity to turn things around for our nation and I know the team will do everything they can to finish this campaign strongly," said New Zealand coach Allan Bunting.
"The team have connected well this week, and we are determined to put out a performance that we're proud of."
France have made three changes to the XV that started their 35-17 defeat by England -- Les Bleues' ninth defeat in as many World Cup semi-finals.
Emilie Boulard is at full-back in place of Morgane Bourgeois and the fit-again Joanna Grisez returns on the right wing.
H.Lagomarsino--PV
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