Canada defeated England 31-22 in the WXV Global Series in Ottawa, marking the Red Roses' first back-to-back losses in a decade. Captain Sophie de Goede scored a hat-trick for Canada, who completed a 2-0 series sweep after last week's 24-21 victory in Toronto ended England's 41-match unbeaten streak. The hosts crossed for five tries to England's three, with Julia Omokhuale and Savannah Bauder also scoring.
England's points came from Maddie Feaunati, Amy Cokayne, and Emma Sing, with Zoe Harrison adding penalties. Head coach John Mitchell acknowledged the need for a "new stimulus" and criticized officiating standards, particularly the lack of TMO connection. A potential turning point occurred when Jess Breach's intercept was ruled out for offside, followed by De Goede's fourth try.
Canada hadn't beaten England since 2016 and never on home soil. The Maple Leafs' victory comes after De Goede's women's player of the year award last September. England now faces the USA in New Jersey next Friday, seeking to avoid three consecutive losses for the first time since 2013.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing