England's 39-Match Winning Run Ends in 26-26 Draw with Canada at Sandy Park

England's 39-match winning run in women's rugby came to an end following a 26-26 draw with Canada at Sandy Park in Exeter during the WXV Global Series. The two sides shared four tries apiece in front of 14,573 spectators. Canada, who England defeated in last year's Rugby World Cup final, became the first team to avoid defeat against England since New Zealand in the 2022 World Cup final. John Mitchell's side remain unbeaten in 40 Tests following the result.

Canada held England's Red Roses to a 28-28 draw at Exeter in front of 14,573 spectators, with both nations touching down four times apiece — a result that denied the hosts a repeat of their World Cup final victory over the same opponents the previous year. Canada became the first team to avoid defeat against England since New Zealand's triumph in the 2022 World Cup final, while Mitchell's side have now stretched their unbeaten run to 40 consecutive Test matches. In an action-packed opening 15 minutes, England twice fell behind before Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and Hannah Botterman each crossed the line to restore parity, cancelling out touchdowns from Lizzie Gibson and DaLeaka Menin for Canada. After having a try disallowed earlier in the half, Moloney-MacDonald touched down in the 32nd minute to put England ahead for the first time, completing a driving run from Sadia Kabeya to register her second score of the match. Canada drew level moments before half-time via a Menin try from close range, although a potential score earlier in the half had been disallowed after Hogan-Rochester's solo run was adjudged to have originated from a forward pass. Following ten minutes of sustained defensive work at the start of the second half, both sides exchanged tries, with prop Bryony Field restoring the lead for the home team before Canada's scrum-half Olivia Apps grounded the ball under the posts after Sophie de Goede carved through on the left flank. Despite pressing hard in the final ten minutes — including being halted just short of the try line — England were denied a winning margin by a turnover near the posts and a handling error that allowed Canada to secure a draw.

England's 39-Match Winning Run Ends in 26-26 Draw with Canada at Sandy Park

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England's 39-Match Winning Run Ends in 26-26 Draw with Canada at Sandy Park

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