Netball: Silver Ferns rocked as star shooter Grace Nweke ruled out ...

The Silver Ferns have suffered a huge blow at the Netball World Cup in South Africa, with star shooter Grace Nweke ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury.

Nweke limped off court in Sunday's 80-19 victory over Singapore, with medical scans confirming the worst.

The 21-year-old had so far impressed at her first Netball World Cup, scoring 31 from 31 attempts against Trinidad and Tobago, and 15 from 16 against Uganda.

On Sunday, she shot 12 from 13 attempts, before leaving the court after only eight minutes of play. 

"Obviously we are hugely disappointed for Grace who was competing at her first Netball World Cup," said coach Dame Noeline Taurua. 

"She provides a unique skill set for our team and will be massively missed.

"This is not a scenario we were wanting but we are as prepared for it as we can be and move on to the next stage of the Netball World Cup and our match against Wales."

Nweke was already going to sit out of Monday's clash with Wales as a precaution, however the news of her injury has significantly changed the Silver Ferns' plans.

Tiana Metuarau, 22, takes Nweke's place in the squad, after travelling to South Africa as a reserve.

The Silver Ferns face Wales, South Africa and Jamaica in the hope of booking a semi-final spot for their title defence.