In a thrilling encounter at Toronto’s BMO Field, Canada ended England’s remarkable 41-match unbeaten streak with a narrow 24-21 victory in the WXV women’s rugby international. The match, which unfolded in front of a record crowd of 18,621 spectators, marked a significant turnaround for Canada following their defeat to England in last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup final.
England initially took the lead, showcasing a promising start. However, their inability to capitalize on several attacking opportunities allowed Canada to make a decisive comeback. The turning point came when England’s Zoe Harrison received a yellow card, enabling Savannah Bauder to score the opening try for Canada. England responded with tries from Maddie Feaunati and Harrison, heading into half-time with a 14-5 advantage.
After the break, Canada intensified their efforts. Alysha Corrigan scored a solo try, narrowing the scoreline and igniting hopes of a comeback. Though Sarah Bern extended England’s lead with a try, Canada’s relentless pressure and effective forward play allowed DaLeaka Menin to add another crucial try, leveling the contest.
The deciding moment came when Shoshanah Seumanutafa crossed the try line in the closing minutes, securing a historic victory for Canada with a 24-21 lead. The win sparked jubilant celebrations among Canadian players and supporters, as it not only ended England’s dominance but also offered redemption for past defeats.
England’s head coach, John Mitchell, acknowledged the significance of the loss, emphasizing the lessons to be learned. Despite the setback, he expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back. The two teams are set to face each other again next weekend, providing England with an immediate chance to reclaim their standing, while Canada will aim to build on their impressive performance.