England’s 39-Game Winning Run Ends in Draw

England captain Megan Jones described the contest as “amazing Test match rugby” and said, “We want a battle,” while acknowledging that the draw was the kind of challenge the team seeks.
England’s late push ended with the forwards held up over the try line, followed by a crucial Canadian ruck turnover that prevented the hosts from scoring a winning try.
Canada had an opportunity to pursue a late victory from a scrum in its own half, but chose to secure the draw by kicking the final play dead rather than risking a turnover.
England coach John Mitchell had recalled nine players from the World Cup final side after the team’s win over Australia, expecting the 2025 result to be repeated; Canada instead matched England physically despite having fewer professional resources and less funding.
England’s usual attacking threat Ellie Kildunne was repeatedly denied space on the wing, while Canada’s Julia Omokhuale and Sophie de Goede were singled out for outstanding performances.
Canada stopped England's record 39-match winning streak with a thrilling 26-26 draw at Exeter's Sandy Park Reuters. The eight-try contest was tightly contested throughout, with England dominating the closing stages but unable to breach Canada's defense when it mattered most CTV News. Despite the draw, England remains unbeaten in 40 tests, though the Red Roses failed to win a home match against Canada for the first time since 2022 Reuters.
The match was level 19-19 at halftime after both teams scored multiple tries in an offensive display Reuters. England winger Claudia Moloney-MacDonald scored twice, while Canada prop DaLeaka Menin also crossed twice for the visitors CTV News. Lizzie Gibson and Hannah Botterman added tries for England as the teams traded scores in an intense opening 40 minutes.
England took the lead in the second half through Bryony Field's try off a maul, which appeared to put the Red Roses in control CTV News. But Canada responded just four minutes later when scrumhalf Olivia Apps finished a break to restore parity at 26-26 Reuters. The quick response kept Canada in the match and set up a tense final stretch.
England dominated possession in the closing stages and pushed aggressively toward Canada's try line CTV News. The Red Roses came close to a winning try but were held up over the line by Canada's resolute defense Reuters. A crucial Canadian ruck turnover prevented England from scoring in the final moments, securing the draw.
In the final moments, Canada had a scrum opportunity in its own half with a chance to pursue victory CTV News. Instead of attempting an attacking play, the visitors opted to kick the ball dead and secure the draw rather than risk a turnover CTV News. England captain Megan Jones praised the match as "amazing Test match rugby" and said the team wanted "a battle" of this intensity.
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