Red Roses Canada loss ends England’s 41-match unbeaten run

Canada seals historic win over England

The decisive moment arrived with only three minutes left on the clock, when Shoshanah Seumanutafa crossed for the try that secured Canada's win on Friday. 

The result ended England's 41-match unbeaten run, which had stretched back to their defeat against New Zealand in the 2022 Rugby World Cup final.

It was also the first time England head coach John Mitchell had tasted defeat since taking charge in late 2023.

The occasion attracted 18,621 spectators, setting a new attendance record for a standalone women's sporting event in North America.

England lost control as Canada rallied in the second half

Canada had offered an early warning that England's winning run was vulnerable. 

The teams drew 26-26 in Exeter in September, bringing the Red Roses' 39-game winning streak to a halt. This time, however, the Canadians went one step further.

England went into the interval with a 14-5 advantage, even though Zoe Harrison spent a large portion of the first half in the sin bin. 

Savannah Bauder had opened the scoring for Canada, but tries from Maddie Feaunati and Harrison put the visitors in control.

Sarah Bern added another try after the restart, giving England a stronger cushion. 

Canada responded through DaLeaka Menin, whose converted try after the 60-minute mark brought the hosts back into the contest.

With the gap narrowing, the pressure mounted on England as Canada pushed for a result. Seumanutafa's late finish ultimately settled the match, sparking celebrations among the home crowd.

England aim to show progress in the second game

The loss carries added significance for England, who had not been beaten by Canada since 2016. They had also won each of their previous 11 away encounters against the side.

Despite the setback, Mitchell said the team would continue to focus on its long-term development rather than allowing one result to dictate its direction.

"We're disappointed by the result but there was some very good things in our performance. So we'll stick to our processes,

"I guess [the loss] frees us up and allows us to find more. I know this group has got more in them. Sometimes it requires the context that we've just received to dig deeper and find something more."

The Red Roses will not have long to wait for a rematch. The teams are due to face each other again in Ottawa on Friday, 23 October, with the kick-off falling in the early hours of Saturday in the UK.