The landscape of women’s rugby saw a notable shift as England’s Red Roses, who have been a formidable force, experienced a break in their 39-match winning streak. In a gripping test match against Canada at the WXV, the two teams settled for a 26-26 draw, marking England’s first match without a victory since 2022.
Despite the draw, England extended their unbeaten streak to 40 matches. However, the outcome served as a reminder of the fierce competition in women’s rugby, with Canada showcasing their prowess and determination. The match was a testament to Canada’s capabilities, as they remained competitive throughout, matching England’s effort at every turn.
England’s scoring was highlighted by Claudia MacDonald, who crossed the line twice, with Hannah Botterman and Bryony Field also contributing tries. Canada matched this intensity, with Lizzie Gibson scoring and DaLeaka Menin making a significant impact by scoring twice. The teams were neck and neck at halftime with a score of 19-19, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
In the latter half, England briefly reclaimed the lead through Field’s try, but Canada kept the pressure on, ultimately securing the draw. England struggled to utilize their usually dominant wide play, with Canada’s defense effectively neutralizing England’s Ellie Kildunne. Canada’s strength was also evident in their physicality and effectiveness at the breakdown.
This result ended England’s flawless home record against Canada and presented a formidable challenge to the reigning world champions. For Canada, who were runners-up in last year’s World Cup, the performance underscored their ability to challenge the best in the sport. As England moves forward, they will aim to refine their play for upcoming WXV fixtures, while Canada can draw confidence from having halted the Red Roses’ impressive winning run.