WXV Global Series
Canada (12) 31
Tries: Omokhuale, De Goede 3, Bauder
Cons: De Goede 3
England (7) 22
Tries: Feaunati, Cokayne, Sing
Cons: Harrison, Sing
Pens: Harrison
England suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time in a decade as Canada secured a stunning 31-22 victory in the WXV Series encounter in Ottawa, completing a historic and dominant series sweep over the world champions.
The passionate home side ran in five tries to England’s three, highlighted by a magnificent individual hat-trick from captain Sophie de Goede. This latest triumph followed hard on the heels of last weekend’s 24-21 victory in Toronto, a historic result that had already brought an abrupt end to the Red Roses’ formidable 41-match unbeaten streak. By backing up that milestone performance with another disciplined and clinical display, Canada cemented a statement series victory.
The two-match sweep on home soil caps off a competitive period between the two powerhouse nations, following a tightly contested 26-26 draw when they met in Exeter back in September. For England, however, the back-to-back reversals mark unfamiliar territory. Having lost multiple matches in a calendar year for the first time since 2016, the world champions now head south for their upcoming meeting with the United States in New Jersey next Friday, where they will kick off at 21:15 GMT striving to avoid three consecutive defeats for the first time since 2013.
The match at a lively Ottawa venue began with early promise for the visitors, who looked eager to reassert their traditional dominance. England settled into their patterns quickly, and back-rower Maddie Feaunati crashed over the line from close range inside the opening 10 minutes to draw first blood. Zoe Harrison added the extras, giving the Red Roses an early foothold and putting the pressure squarely on the hosts.
Despite the early setback, Canada absorbed the pressure and gradually worked their way back into the contest. The Maple Leafs demonstrated both resilience and tactical sharpness, turning the tide as the first half progressed. Their efforts were rewarded when Julia Omokhuale punched through the English defensive line to bring Canada level, igniting the home crowd.
Just four minutes later, the hosts struck again in spectacular fashion. Gabrielle Senft pounced alertly on a loose, bouncing ball and seized the opportunity, breaking down the left wing with captain Sophie de Goede running a perfect supporting line on her shoulder. Senft fed the ball to her skipper to finish off the move, sending Canada into the halftime break with a well-earned 12-7 advantage.
The second half opened with a tactical exchange as England sought an immediate response. Zoe Harrison successfully kicked a penalty early in the period to narrow the deficit and close the gap on the scoreboard. Shortly after, England turned to one of their most reliable and potent weapons—the driving maul—to exert maximum pressure on the Canadian pack. The forward-orientated pressure paid dividends when experienced hooker Amy Cokayne was engineered clear to walk in England’s second try of the match, briefly restoring the Red Roses’ momentum and overturning the scoreline.
Yet, this resilient Canadian side refused to yield or let the visitors build sustainable momentum. Demonstrating exceptional character and leadership, De Goede stepped up once more just three minutes later to restore her side’s lead with a crucial score. The Canadian captain was far from finished, sealing her remarkable afternoon by completing her hat-trick just after the hour-mark to extend the home side’s cushion.
With the momentum firmly behind the Maple Leafs, replacement back Savannah Bauder produced a dazzling display of footwork, dancing down the left wing to slice through the English defense and score a brilliant try that put Canada comfortably out of sight at 31-17.
England continued to battle until the final whistle, showing the competitive spirit expected of the world champions. Their persistence resulted in a late consolation try scored by Emma Sing in the 80th minute, though it served only to narrow the final margin of a memorable encounter.
Canada Lineup: Bauder; Corrigan, Symonds, Seumanutafa, Hogan-Rochester; Perry, Apps; Nelson, Idowu, Menin, De Goede (c), Royer, Senft, Omokhuale, Gibson.
Replacements: Tuttosi, Kassil, Rempel, Forteza, Buisa, Crossley, Pelletier, Tessier.
England Lineup: Sing; Breach, Jones (c), Rowland, Venner; Harrison, L Packer; Botterman, Cokayne, Bern, Talling, Ives Campion, Burton, Kabeya, Feaunati.
Replacements: Field, Carson, Muir, Short, Matthews, Robinson, Aitchison, Kildunne.