England’s remarkable 39-match winning streak came to an end on Saturday as the Red Roses were held to a thrilling 26-26 draw by Canada in the WXV Global Series at Sandy Park in Exeter.
The result ended England’s run of victories stretching back to their defeat by New Zealand in the 2022 Rugby World Cup final. However, the reigning world champions remain unbeaten in their last 40 Tests.
Canada, who lost to England in last year’s Rugby World Cup final, produced a determined performance to become the first team since New Zealand in 2022 to avoid defeat against the Red Roses.
The visitors made a fast start, with Lizzie Gibson crossing early to put Canada ahead. England responded through Claudia Moloney-MacDonald before DaLeaka Menin restored Canada’s advantage.
Hannah Botterman then powered over for England, before Moloney-MacDonald scored her second try to put the hosts in front for the first time.
Canada refused to let England settle. Menin crossed for her second try shortly before half-time, leaving the sides level at 19-19 after a pulsating opening 40 minutes.
England regained the lead early in the second half when Bryony Field scored from a rolling maul, with Zoe Harrison adding the conversion to make it 26-19.
Canada responded again, with Olivia Apps finishing a strong attacking move to bring the visitors back within a point before Sophie de Goede converted to level the contest at 26-26.
The final stages belonged largely to England as the Red Roses pushed for the decisive score. They repeatedly threatened the Canadian line but could not turn their pressure into a winning try.
Canada’s defence stood firm under sustained pressure, with England eventually unable to break through before the final whistle.
The draw also ended England’s perfect home record against Canada and highlighted the growing competitiveness between the two sides following their World Cup final meeting last year.
England scored four tries through Moloney-MacDonald, Botterman and Field, while Canada matched that tally through Gibson, Menin, who scored twice, and Apps. Harrison added three conversions for England, while de Goede kicked three conversions for Canada.
England head coach John Mitchell acknowledged that his side had opportunities to win but said the result would provide valuable lessons as the team continues its autumn campaign.
The Red Roses will next face New Zealand on September 26 before travelling to Canada for two further Tests in Toronto and Ottawa in October.
Despite the end of their winning streak, England’s 40-Test unbeaten run remains intact. Canada, meanwhile, leave Exeter with renewed confidence after producing one of their strongest performances against the world champions.
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