Dana Johannsen: Leader's exit big blow for Ferns

Casey Kopua of the Ferns is assisted by medical staff after sustaining a serious injury during the International Netball Test match between the New Zealand and Australia. Photo / Getty Images

The look on the faces of the Silver Ferns said it all.

As a distraught Casey Kopua was carried from court with a severe knee injury, her shocked teammates watched on, visibly shaken. Some were reduced to tears themselves.

Saturday night's third Constellation Cup clash was supposed to be a night of celebration for Kopua, who was playing in her record-setting 63rd test as captain. The team had planned a special post-match tribute to honour the star defender in her milestone match. Those tributes were put on hold while Kopua was made comfortable ahead of assessment in Auckland today. But if ever there was an illustration of just how much Kopua means to this group, it was in the utter devastation written on her teammates' faces as their leader crashed to the floor clutching her knee.

At that point early in the fourth quarter the game was already gone, with Australia holding a commanding lead; the series was already gone; and now their inspirational captain and defensive warrior at the back was gone too.

As if the task facing the Ferns as they rebuild ahead of next year's World Cup wasn't already daunting enough, they now have to prepare for the possibility that they will have to do it without Kopua.

While the full extent of the injury won't be confirmed until later today, it is certain Kopua has a long road ahead of her if she is to return to the court ahead of next year's World Cup in Sydney.

Her teammates have an equally tough journey ahead over the next 10 months as they look to somehow close the gap on the dominant Australian side, who have now won the past eight meetings between the two teams.

The Ferns will get their chance to restore some pride in the series in Wednesday's fourth test in Auckland. Picking themselves back up for that match will be tough but they won't lack motivation. Kopua has made sure of that.