England's 39-match winning streak snapped in thrilling draw with Canada
England's women's rugby team saw their remarkable 39-match winning run come to an end after a 26-26 draw with Canada at Sandy Park. Canada became the first side to avoid defeat against England since New Zealand's 2022 World Cup final win.
England's Red Roses have finally been stopped after an extraordinary run of victories, drawing 26-26 with Canada in a WXV Global Series clash at Sandy Park in Exeter, watched by a crowd of 14,573.
The result carries extra significance given England beat this same Canadian side in last year's World Cup final. This time, the two teams matched each other try for try in a fast-paced, back-and-forth contest.
A see-saw contest
In a frantic opening 25 minutes, England twice had to fight back from behind. Tries from Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and Hannah Botterman cancelled out scores from Canada's Lizzie Gibson and DaLeaka Menin. Moloney-MacDonald had an earlier try ruled out before finally putting England ahead for the first time in the 32nd minute, finishing off a break by Sadia Kabeya.
Canada also had a try disallowed for a forward pass, but hit back right before half-time when Menin scored from close range to level things up.
After absorbing heavy Canadian pressure at the start of the second half, England and Canada traded tries once more. Prop Bryony Field put the hosts back in front, only for Canadian scrum-half Olivia Apps to respond after a strong run from Sophie de Goede down the wing.
England pushed hard in a chaotic final ten minutes and looked capable of snatching victory, but ultimately could not convert their pressure into points, and Canada held on for a share of the spoils.
The draw also brought an end to England's perfect home record against Canada, having previously won all 13 of their prior meetings on home soil. Canada, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in their last 40 Test matches.
