Canada Hands England Women's Rugby Second Straight Defeat
Sophie de Goede scores hat-trick as hosts win 31-22 in WXV Series.
Canada secured a 31-22 victory over England in the WXV Series in Ottawa, marking the first time in a decade that the English women's rugby team has suffered back-to-back losses. The win also gives Canada a 2-0 series advantage over England, following their 24-21 victory last weekend.
Captain Sophie de Goede was instrumental in the victory, scoring a hat-trick of tries. Canada's other tries came from Julia Omokhuale and Savannah Bauder. England's points were scored through tries by Maddie Feaunati, Amy Cokayne, and Emma Sing, with conversions from Harrison and Sing, and a penalty from Harrison.
England, the reigning world champions, made a strong start with Feaunati crossing the try line within the first 10 minutes. However, Canada responded quickly, with Omokhuale leveling the score before De Goede scored the hosts' first try. Canada held a 12-7 lead at halftime.
In the second half, England briefly took the lead with a penalty from Zoe Harrison followed by a converted try from Amy Cokayne. De Goede then restored Canada's advantage with her second try and completed her hat-trick shortly after the hour mark. Bauder's try sealed the win for Canada.
This marks the first time England has lost multiple matches in a calendar year since 2016. The Red Roses are set to face the USA next Friday, aiming to avoid a third consecutive loss for the first time since 2013. The two teams also played to a 26-26 draw in Exeter in September.