TORONTO: Canada ended England’s 41-match unbeaten run with a 24-21 victory in the women’s WXV Global Series on Friday.
Replacement Shoshanah Seumanutafa scored down the left wing three minutes from time after an England handling error helped Canada regain possession near halfway.
England hadn’t won since losing the November 2022 World Cup final to New Zealand. Canada had already ended their 39-match winning streak with a draw in Exeter in September.
This was Canada’s first victory over England since 2016 and their first against the visitors on Canadian soil. 18,621 spectators attended BMO Field, setting a North American record for a standalone women’s rugby fixture.
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Savannah Bauder opened the scoring in the 15th minute while England fly-half Zoe Harrison was shown a yellow card. However, tries from Maddie Feaunati and Harrison gave England a 14-5 half-time lead.
After the break, Alysha Corrigan scored for Canada before Sarah Bern restored England’s nine-point advantage. DaLeaka Menin then crossed just after the hour, with Sophie de Goede converting to bring the hosts within reach.
Seumanutafa’s late finish completed the comeback. England head coach John Mitchell acknowledged his side’s disappointment but defended aspects of their performance.
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“I know this group has got more in them,” he said. Meanwhile, England captain Meg Jones urged her teammates to support each other and respond quickly to the defeat.
The teams meet again in Ottawa on October 23. Canada beat England 24-21 after Seumanutafa’s late try ended the visitors’ 41-match unbeaten run.
