Co-captain Ruahei Demant will run out for her 50th game when the Black Ferns meet rivals Canada in Bristol tomorrow morning.
The New Zealand first five has been a maestro for the team since her debut in 2018 and will become the third-most capped Black Fern behind Kendra Cocksedge (68) and Fiao’o Fa’amausili (57).
Co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu said there were not enough words to describe Demant — known as Lu — and her impact on the team.
"Lu is an exceptional human," Tukuafu said.
"She leads our team with so much pride. She’s powerful in the words that she speaks.
"We know nothing changes for her. She’s going to go out there and do her job.
"Fifty games is an amazing milestone, but I know exactly what Lu will say. She’ll say it’s just another game."
The Black Ferns will need to draw on both of their co-captains’ experience to drive them against world No 2 Canada.
But they have been dealt a blow with Jorja Miller sidelined with an undisclosed injury alongside lock Laura Bayfield.
Tukuafu, who returns to the No 7 jersey, knew sevens star Miller was behind the team.
"She’s an incredible player but we haven’t felt her presence leave for once," Tukuafu said.
"She continues to serve the team in a different way."
Coach Alan Bunting has named a strong team to meet Canada.
Syliva Brunt returns from injury at second five, Risi Pouri-Lane is back at halfback — with Otago’s Maia Joseph, playing some of her best rugby in England, on the bench — and Tanya Kalounivale returns to tighthead prop.
Amy Rule, Chelsea Bremner and Layla Sae are also back on the bench, as is Ayesha Leti-I’iga, who will come on in her 30th game.
Canada and the Black Ferns have had intriguing match-ups in recent years.
The Black Ferns thumped them 52-21 in 2023 but Canada responded to secure their first win, 22-19, against the defending champions last year. They drew 27-27 earlier this year.
Bunting acknowledged the recent history but felt his team had become more connected off the field.
"It’s been a tight battle. They’re a quality team," Bunting said.
"Our team’s different today and our game’s in a different place. They haven’t felt that yet.
"We’ve been waiting for this moment for a while and we’re really excited about getting out there. We know the challenge that’s ahead."
Canada have named an unchanged team as they hunt to make their first World Cup final since 2014.
They are massive up front, including lock Sophie de Goede, who is third at the tournament for points (44), runs (66), conversions (17) and offloads (11).
Coach Kevin Rouet said there was a "positive energy" among the team after their past two results against the Black Ferns.
"We chat about it, for sure. Some of them on the team the last two years have already won and got a draw," Rouet said.
"Some of them were out there for the last World Cup... The belief is there.
"But we are very mindful of New Zealand at World Cup time... they show up."
England are favourites in the other semifinal against France.
