Canada ends England's 39-match rugby win streak in draw
England held to a 26-26 draw by Canada at Sandy Park, ending their 39-game winning run and 13-match home streak against the visitors.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- England's 39-match winning streak ends with a 26-26 draw against Canada
- The match took place in front of a raucous 14,573 crowd at Sandy Park in Exeter
- Both teams scored four tries apiece in a pulsating encounter
England's remarkable 39-match winning run came to a dramatic halt as they were held to a 26-26 draw by Canada in a thrilling rugby test match at Sandy Park in Exeter, played in front of an energetic crowd of 14,573 spectators.
The encounter served as a high-stakes rematch of last year's Rugby World Cup final, with Canada making history as the first team to avoid defeat against England since New Zealand triumphed in the 2022 World Cup decider. Despite the stalemate, John Mitchell's squad extended their impressive unbeaten run to 40 Tests while also bringing an end to their 100% home record against Canada, having previously won each of their 13 prior home meetings.
A pulsating opening 25 minutes saw England twice forced to come from behind, with tries from Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and Hannah Botterman cancelling out early scores by Lizzie Gibson and DaLeaka Menin for the visitors. Exeter winger Moloney-MacDonald had an initial try disallowed before finally giving England the lead for the first time in the 32nd minute, latching onto a surging break by Sadia Kabeya to claim her second try of the match.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
However, Canada—who earlier had a brilliant solo effort from Asia Hogan-Rochester chalked off for a forward pass—hit back right on the stroke of half-time when Menin crashed over from close range to level the scoring.
Test matches between England and Canada consistently showcase the peak of women's international rugby union, characterized by high physicality and tactical depth. Canada's ability to break England's monumental winning streak highlights the narrowing gap at the elite level and sets the stage for even fiercer competition in upcoming global fixtures.
The second half commenced with England weathering ten minutes of sustained pressure before the two teams traded tries once more. Prop Bryony Field restored the lead for the hosts before Canada scrum-half Olivia Apps crossed the whitewash under the posts, capping off a brilliant dancing run down the left wing by Sophie de Goede.
"England looked the most likely to steal the win in a chaotic final 10 minutes."
Match Report
A chaotic final 10 minutes saw England press heavily for a winner, including being held up over the line, but they were left to rue a costly turnover in front of the posts and a loose carry as Canada dug deep to secure a hard-fought draw.
Source: BBC Sport
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