A foot injury to star shooter Maria Tutaia has added to the Silver Ferns injury crisis mid-way through the pool stages of the Commonwealth Games.
Tutaia was forced off early in the opening quarter of the Ferns' 78-29 win over Northern Ireland this morning after experienced pain in her foot. The injury comes after rookie Ellen Halpenny sprained her ankle five minutes into her debut match against Scotland the previous day, leaving the Ferns light on shooters.
Tutaia was experiencing discomfort in her foot in the lead-up to this morning's game and when the pain worsened she immediately called time-out, with Silver Ferns coach Waimarama Taumaunu opting not to risk their most experienced shooter against one of the minnow nations.
She was immediately placed in a moonboot after coming off the court, but Silver Ferns management say this was a precautionary measure. Tutaia will be properly assessed later this evening (NZT) and the team will comment once more is known about the injury.
The Ferns now rest day, before taking on St Lucia in their fourth pool match on Tuesday night.
