Michaela Blyde. Photo: © Copyright Andrew Cornaga 2020 / www.photosport.nz / Photosport Ltd
The Black Ferns Sevens have lost star Michaela Blyde to injury for the final tournament of the World Series, as the New Zealanders look to wrap up the overall title.
The team departs for France on Thursday ahead of the World Series finale in Toulouse.
Black Ferns Sevens coach Cory Sweeney has selected a near unchanged side that won the team's fifth tournament in a row last month in Hong Kong.
Mahina Paul and Niall Guthrie return to the travelling squad, in for Blyde and Terina Te Tamaki who have been ruled out due to injury.
The Black Ferns Sevens top the women's standings and only need to reach the Cup quarter-finals in Toulouse to seal the overall World Series title and take it back from Australia.
Following the tournament, captain Sarah Hirini and playmaker Kelly Brazier will head to Japan for their respective playing and coaching sabbaticals.
The travelling squad is: Alena Saili, Jazmin Felix-Hotham, Jorja Miller, Kelly Brazier, Mahina Paul, Manaia Nuku, Niall Guthrie, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, Sarah Hirini (C), Shiray Kaka, Stacey Waaka, Tyla Nathan-Wong, Tysha Ikenasio.
Unavailable for selection: Michaela Blyde, Terina Te Tamaki and Theresa Fitzpatrick.
