Canada brought an end to England’s 41-game unbeaten run in women’s rugby with a thrilling 24-21 victory at the WXV international match held at BMO Field in Toronto. The dramatic win marked a significant moment for the Canadian team, who faced England in front of a record crowd of 18,621 spectators.
England initially seemed poised for success, building a 14-5 lead by halftime thanks to tries from Maddie Feaunati and Zoe Harrison. However, Canada’s resilience shone through as they capitalized on an England penalty to score their first try via Savannah Bauder. The momentum shifted in the second half when Alysha Corrigan delivered a solo try to narrow the gap, followed by DaLeaka Menin’s pivotal try that further turned the tide in Canada’s favor.
As the match neared its conclusion, with both teams vying for dominance, Shoshanah Seumanutafa scored the decisive try, sealing the victory for Canada. The result not only ended England’s dominance but also served as redemption for Canada after their previous loss to England in the 2022 Women’s Rugby World Cup final.
England’s head coach, John Mitchell, acknowledged the significance of the loss and expressed that the team could glean valuable lessons from the defeat. He remained confident in England’s ability to regroup and respond positively in their forthcoming encounters.
The two teams are set to meet again next weekend, offering England a chance to bounce back while Canada looks to build on their historic performance. This unexpected result has not only shaken up the women’s rugby scene but also demonstrated the competitive spirit and capability of the Canadian team.