Red Roses suffer back-to-back defeats for first time in a decade as Canada make statement

England beaten in Ottawa for third loss in past 74 matches

History-makers, era-enders, giant-slayers. Last Friday’s breaking of England’s unbeaten run was a statement 31-22 win for Canada but backing it up to deal the Red Roses their first consecutive loss in a decade sends a formidable message to the rest of world rugby. Some may view it as too early to call but Canada are serious contenders for the World Cup trophy in 2029, especially if they progress at the same rate that their performances have improved in just a year from that World Cup final loss to England in 2025.

On a cold Ottawa night, the Canadians played with freedom and pace to down England once again. The captain Sophie de Goede laid bare why she is the reigning world player of the year with a hat-trick and some excellent defensive work and Julie Omokhuale also stood out among a good team performance.

For England, well they were looking for a response to that record-ending defeat but it never came. A strong and confident start ebbed into a scrappy and hesitant overall outing which they will want to put right for their final WXV Global Series match against the USA next Friday. But there were some positives for the visitors, namely the skipper Meg Jones. The captain, who turned 30 on Friday, was imperious in defence and Maddie Feaunati had another good game in the hour she was given.

An Owellian atmosphere was created for those watching from home with the pitch having a grey tinge to it, a dystopian world isn’t usually compared to that of the vibrant and action-packed women’s rugby sphere but it may have felt like another world for England players losing back-to-back games. It was their third loss in 74 matches, so the panic won’t set in, but this result will unsettle them.

The Tests between these two this autumn have been ferocious and it was an utterly brutal start. A key part of Canada’s win last week was their defensive set and keeping England from scoring for a long time but that was a different story with Feaunati over in the seventh minute.

Canada put England’s defence under its first proper stress test next and the white wall was impressive with a particular focus on double tackles but it eventually buckled as Omokhuale dotted down. But the second Canadian try came all from England’s scrappy attack. A bouncing ball didn’t sit well for Zoe Harrison, who knocked on as a result and Gabrielle Senft pounced. De Goede tracked her run and was on her shoulder to receive the ball to finish it off with Canada’s secretary of state for sport, Adam van Koeverden, who announced new funding for Rugby Canada during the match, in the commentary box celebrating the score and adding: “I love it!”

Several knock-ons and a try being held up stifled England from hitting back and so it was Canada who held a 12-7 lead at the break. The Red Roses’ need for points was made very clear when they opted to kick a penalty to start the second 40.

England reverted to their deadly rolling maul from the 22 in an impressive score by Amy Cokayne. Canada struck back and De Goede appeared from nowhere to break the English line. The skipper had her hat-trick just after the hour mark and Savannah Bauder put England out of sight despite a consolation score by Emma Sing.

Canada can ride the high of this victory into 2027 where their next games are slated to be in the Pacific Four tournament, while England have one more WXV match against the USA. The Americans are in form but they should heed a warning, this England team are not used to losses and they will be pursuing a big response.