Crowd hushed by sickening scene as England prop Vicky Whitfield stretchered from the field eight minutes after knockout blow

A masterclass effort by the Jillaroos in Las Vegas was marred by a sickening moment immediately after half-time that knocked out England prop Vicky Whitfield, halting the game for eight minutes so she could get medical treatment before being rushed to hospital.

Running the ball back from the kick off on the opening play of the second stanza, Whitfield bounced violently backwards after being met by Jillaroos star Sarah Togatuki who got her attempted tackle all wrong, resulting in a clash of heads.

Togatuki immediately removed herself from the tackle as she tried to find her footing, while Jillaroos players quickly ran in to assist Whitfield, who was floored by the collision.

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The incident prompted an eight minute delay as the crowd fell silent and watched on with concern while medical staff stabilised Whitfield before taking her from the field on a stretcher.

"You can see it Yasmin Clydsdale really, really worried about the opposition player," Allana Ferguson said on Nine.

"That was a big head clash, both players came reeling out of it," Ruan Sims added.

"It is important she is taken care of in the right fashion. Hopefully this is all just precautionary."

Having already undergone a head injury assessment in the first half, Togatuki was ruled out for the rest of the game as trainers called for a second assessment to be conducted.

As Togatuki left the field referee Belinda Sharpe confirmed a penalty would be awarded to England.

The call was followed by Whitfield's departure from the field, prompting a standing ovation from the crowd.

Togatuki was replaced by Shannon Mato in the middle, while Shona Hoyle came on for England.

England officials confirmed Whitfield had exited the venue and was taken by medics to a local hospital to undergo further assessments.

"She is in hospital now for a scan," England coach Stuart Barrow said post-match.

"We don't know any further information on that but she was conscious when she went to hospital. We are just waiting on results."

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