England 26-26 Canada: winning run ends in Exeter thriller
England's winning run is over. The Red Roses drew 26-26 with Canada in Exeter on 19 September in the WXV Global Series, in their first meeting since last year's World Cup final. The Guardian
It was the first time England had failed to win an international since 2022. The draw ended a 39-match winning streak, but it stretched their unbeaten sequence to 40 Tests.
The teams were locked at 19-19 at half-time. That scoreline told the story. Neither side could pull away for long.
England's first-half punch came from Claudia Moloney-MacDonald. The winger scored twice before the break. Prop Hannah Botterman — a forward who packs down in the scrum — added England's other try. A try is worth five points, scored by touching the ball down over the tryline.
Canada hit back through familiar faces. Prop DaLeaka Menin, who plays her club rugby for Exeter, scored twice against her teammates' home crowd. Lizzie Gibson added Canada's other try.
The late drama could have gone either way. Canada winger Asia Hogan-Rochester broke clear for what looked like a stunning 45-metre solo score, only for it to be ruled out for a forward pass. A pass in rugby union must travel backwards or flat, never forward.
What makes this stand out is the recent history between these teams. England beat Canada 33-13 to win the Women's Rugby World Cup, in front of a record crowd of 81,885. Reuters
England came into this rematch with a 39-game winning run and 14 straight wins over Canada. England Rugby Canada's last victory over England before November 2022 had come back in 2016, a 52-17 win in Salt Lake City. Reuters
Canada arrived in Exeter in form. Coached by Kevin Rouet, they had named a 36-player squad for September WXV fixtures in Europe against Scotland, England and France, and opened with a 64-26 win over Scotland in Edinburgh. Rugby Canada
For fans, this means the rivalry has a live edge again. England remain unbeaten. Canada proved they can go toe to toe. They meet again at TD Place on 23 October, the second and final stop of The Rugby Rematch Tour presented by Canadian Tire. Rugby Canada
