In a dramatic turn of events in women’s rugby, Canada ended England’s impressive 41-game unbeaten streak with a thrilling 24-21 victory in the WXV international. The match, held at BMO Field in Toronto, saw a record attendance of 18,621 spectators, witnessing Canada’s determined performance that served as redemption after their loss to England in last year’s World Cup final.
England initially took the lead, scoring through Maddie Feaunati and Zoe Harrison to establish a 14-5 advantage by halftime. However, Canada capitalized on a yellow card to Harrison, with Savannah Bauder scoring the opening try. The Canadians came back strong in the second half, with Alysha Corrigan narrowing the gap with a solo try. Despite a response from England’s Sarah Bern, Canada’s relentless pressure led to a crucial try by DaLeaka Menin.
In the final moments of the game, Shoshanah Seumanutafa scored the decisive try, sealing Canada’s 24-21 victory. This win marked a significant moment in international women’s rugby, ending England’s four-year dominance. The victory sparked celebrations among Canadian players and fans alike, highlighting the team’s resilience and strategic play.
England’s head coach John Mitchell acknowledged the defeat as a learning opportunity for the team, expressing confidence in their ability to bounce back. The two teams are set to face each other again next weekend, offering England a chance to recover and Canada an opportunity to build on their historic performance.