England’s sensational 39-match winning streak has come to an end after they were held to a dramatic 26-26 draw by a relentless Canada side at Sandy Park. Prior to this encounter, the Red Roses had won every single game since losing the 2022 World Cup final to New Zealand. The draw also ruined England’s perfect home record against Canada, having won all 13 of their previous home clashes.
A raucous crowd of 14,573 in Exeter witnessed a repeat of last year’s World Cup final, where the two sides shared four tries each. While Canada becomes the first team to avoid defeat against England since late 2022, John Mitchell’s side still extends their incredible unbeaten run to 40 Test matches.
In a pulsating opening 25 minutes, the hosts had to fight back twice. Tries from Lizzie Gibson and DaLeaka Menin put Canada ahead early on, but England answered with scores from Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and Hannah Botterman. Exeter winger Moloney-MacDonald, who previously had a try disallowed, then put England ahead for the first time in the 32nd minute after a brilliant run from Sadia Kabeya.
Canada threatened again just before the interval. After Asia Hogan-Rochester had a superb solo try ruled out for a forward pass, Menin powered over from close range to level the score. Following 10 minutes of heavy Canadian pressure early in the second half, the teams traded blows again. Prop Bryony Field briefly restored England’s advantage before Canadian scrum-half Olivia Apps crossed under the posts, set up by a dazzling run down the left wing from Sophie de Goede.
During a frantic final 10 minutes, England pushed hard for a winner and were even held up over the try line. However, a crucial turnover in front of the posts and a loose carry proved costly, allowing Canada to hold on for a historic draw.
Match Scorers
- England TriesMoloney-MacDonald (2), Botterman, Field
- England ConversionsHarrison (3)
- Canada TriesGibson, Menin (2), Apps
- Canada ConversionsDe Goede (3)
Line-ups and Officials
EnglandKildunne; Breach, Jones (capt), Rowland, Moloney-MacDonald; Harrison, L Packer; Botterman, Field, Muir, Talling, Ives Campion, Burton, Kabeya, Matthews.
ReplacementsCampbell, Carson, Bern, Burns, Feaunati, M Packer, Robinson, Aitchison.
CanadaGallagher; Hogan-Rochester, Symonds, Tessier, Williams; Perry, Apps; Nelson, Idowu, Menin, De Goede (capt), Royer, Smith, Omokhuale, Gibson.
ReplacementsBoag, McDonald, Rempel, Forteza, Buisa, Senft, Pelletier, Bauder.
Match OfficialsReferee: Clara Munarini (Italy). Assistant referees: Aurelie Groizeleau (France) and Alexandra Ferre (France). TMO: Matteo Liperini (Italy). The report also notes that having won each of their previous 13 home meetings, the draw also ended England’s 100% home record against Canada.
Important Details
- The report also notes that canada (19) 26.
