Canada beat England again as Red Roses suffer first back-to-back losses in a decade
Sophie de Goede scored three tries in a 31-22 win in Ottawa, a week after Canada ended England’s four-year unbeaten run.
Canada beat England 31-22 in their WXV women’s rugby match in Ottawa on 23 October, giving the Red Roses consecutive defeats for the first time in a decade, the Guardian reported. Captain Sophie de Goede scored three tries as Canada followed up its victory over the world champions in Toronto a week earlier.
The two results mark a sharp change in a rivalry that England won in the 2025 World Cup final. Canada’s first win, on 16 October, ended England’s four-year unbeaten streak, according to AFP. The Guardian said the Ottawa result was only England’s third defeat in its past 74 matches.
How Canada turned the match around
England went ahead through an early try by number eight Maddie Feaunati, converted by Zoe Harrison. Julia Omokhuale then scored for Canada after a quick tap penalty, and de Goede took advantage of an England midfield mix-up to score her first try. Canada led 12-7 at half-time, AFP reported.
England responded after the break. A Harrison penalty and a try by Amy Cokayne following an attacking line-out put the visitors 17-12 ahead. De Goede’s second and third tries restored Canada’s lead at 24-17. Her hat-trick brought her match tally to 21 points, according to AFP.
Savannah Bauder added a late try for Canada, which de Goede converted from the touchline to make it 31-17. Emma Sing scored England’s final try, leaving a nine-point margin at full time. The Guardian highlighted de Goede’s defensive work as well as her scoring, and singled out England captain Meg Jones’s defence in the defeat.
England’s remaining WXV fixture
England have one WXV Global Series match left, against the United States on the following Friday, 30 October, according to the Guardian. The report said Canada’s next games are slated for the Pacific Four tournament in 2027. The Ottawa win therefore closes Canada’s current run of matches against England with two victories in successive weeks, while England still have a fixture in which to respond to the defeats.
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Sources and context
- Red Roses suffer back-to-back defeats for first time in a decade as Canada make statementThe Guardian
- De Goede hat-trick as Canada defeat England againAFP via Yahoo Sports
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