England's Rugby Winning Streak Ends in Draw Against Canada
The Red Roses' 39-match winning run was halted in a 26-26 tie at Sandy Park.
England's formidable 39-match winning streak in international rugby concluded with a dramatic 26-26 draw against Canada at Sandy Park. The Red Roses were unable to overcome a determined Canadian side, who they had previously defeated in the World Cup final.
Canada became the first team to prevent England from winning since New Zealand's victory in the 2022 World Cup final. Despite the draw, England's unbeaten record now stands at 40 Tests. The result also marked the end of England's perfect home record against Canada, having won all 13 previous encounters.
The match was a closely contested affair from the outset. In the opening 25 minutes, England twice had to come from behind. Tries from Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and Hannah Botterman answered scores from Canada's Lizzie Gibson and DaLeaka Menin.
Moloney-MacDonald gave England their first lead in the 32nd minute, scoring her second try of the match after a strong run from Sadia Kabeya. However, Canada responded just before halftime when Menin scored from close range.
Following a period of sustained pressure from Canada at the start of the second half, England regained the lead through a try from prop Bryony Field. Canada quickly responded with a try from scrum-half Olivia Apps, who scored under the posts after a weaving run from Sophie de Goede.
In a chaotic final 10 minutes, England came close to securing a victory, including being held up over the try line. Ultimately, a turnover near the posts and a loose carry allowed Canada to secure the draw.
England's starting lineup included Kildunne, Breach, Jones (capt), Rowland, and Moloney-MacDonald in the backs, with Harrison and L Packer at fly-half and scrum-half respectively. The forward pack featured Botterman, Field, Muir, Talling, Ives Campion, Burton, Kabeya, and Matthews. Replacements were Campbell, Carson, Bern, Burns, Feaunati, M Packer, Robinson, and Aitchison.
Canada's team comprised Gallagher, Hogan-Rochester, Symonds, Tessier, and Williams in the backline, with Perry and Apps as the half-backs. The forwards included Nelson, Idowu, Menin, De Goede (capt), Royer, Smith, Omokhuale, and Gibson. Their replacements were Boag, McDonald, Rempel, Forteza, Buisa, Senft, Pelletier, and Bauder.