Canada’s Janai Haupapa will miss Sunday’s women’s Rugby League World Cup semi-final against Australia after she pleaded guilty to biting.

Haupapa was charged with grade B contrary conduct after being accused of biting by Jillaroos co-captain Renae Kunst in Australia’s record 88-0 win over the Ravens on Wednesday in Sydney.

The Canada centre has accepted a two-match ban for the offence, meaning she will also miss the final on Saturday week if Canada are to cause one of the biggest upsets of all time in toppling the Jillaroos.

The offence was the second such allegation to rock the women’s tournament, and the fourth when including the men’s competition.

Canadian coach Mike Castle defended his player post-match, describing the allegation as out-of-character.

“If anyone’s met Janai, she’s the liveliest, bubbliest human being I’ve ever met,” Castle said.

“It’s certainly not in her nature; she’s not an aggressive person at all.

“It’d be interesting to see what the video shows but it’s 100 per cent not in her nature.”

Haupapa’s ban comes after England prop Chantelle Crowl accused Australian Isabelle Kelly of biting her last week, but not charge was laid.

Jermaine McGillvary also beat a charge of allegedly biting Robbie Farah at the judiciary earlier this month, while Papua New Guinea’s Wellington Albert was not charged after being accused of biting Wales’ Ben Evans last month.