New Zealand's hopes of winning the netball Quad series has suffered a telling blow, with vice-captain Maria Tutaia to miss their two remaining Tests.
The 30-year-old goal attack has been released by the Silver Ferns on bereavement leave.
Tutaia is replaced in the squad by uncapped shooter Monica Falkner, a member of the recently-crowned world under-21 championship-winning New Zealand side.
Falkner will join the team immediately ahead of Wednesday's Test against England in Auckland.
They round out the Quad Series against world champions Australia in Invercargill on Sunday.
Tutaia was named MVP following Saturday's opening 63-56 win over South Africa in Brisbane, shooting 28 goals while linking smartly with her midcourt and goal shoot Bailey Mes.
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