Canada end England's winning run in frenetic draw

Canada halted England's 39-match winning streak with a 26-26 draw at Sandy Park in Exeter, attended by 14,573 spectators. Each side scored four tries: England’s came from Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (two), Hannah Botterman and Bryony Field, with Harrison converting three. Canada’s tries were scored by Lizzie Gibson and DaLeaka Menin (two), while de Goede added three conversions. England twice trailed in the opening 25 minutes, responding to early Canadian scores by Gibson and Menin with tries from Moloney-MacDonald and Botterman. A disallowed effort by Moloney-MacDonald preceded her second try in the 32nd minute, which put England ahead after a burst from Sadia Kabeya. Canada levelled before halftime when Menin crossed from close range after a solo break by Asia Hogan-Rochester was ruled out for a forward pass. After weathering ten minutes of pressure at the start of the second half, the teams exchanged tries again. Bryony Field restored England’s lead, only for scrum‑half Olivia Apps to touchdown following a kick‑and‑chase move by de Goede down the left wing. In a frantic final ten minutes England appeared poised to clinch victory, but a turnover near the posts and a missed opportunity allowed Canada to secure the draw, leaving John Mitchell’s side unbeaten in 40 Tests and marking the first time since New Zealand’s 2022 World Cup final win that a team has avoided defeat against England. The result also ended England’s perfect home record versus Canada, which had stood at 13 successive victories.