Canada defeats England 31-22 to secure WXV series victory

OPA WIRE, Oct 24 (OPA) — Canada dominated the WXV Series match in Ottawa, running in five tries to England’s three. The victory follows last weekend’s 24-21 win in Toronto, which snapped England’s 41-match unbeaten streak. The result marks the first time since 2016 that the world champions have lost multiple matches in a single calendar year.

England opened the scoring through Maddie Feaunati within the first 10 minutes, but the momentum shifted as Canada took a 12-7 lead into halftime. Julia Omokhuale leveled the score before Gabrielle Senft broke down the left wing to set up captain Sophie de Goede. Despite a second-half penalty from Zoe Harrison and a driving maul try by Amy Cokayne, England could not contain the Canadian attack.

De Goede restored Canada’s lead shortly after the break and completed her hat-trick just past the hour mark. Savannah Bauder extended the lead with a late try, effectively putting the game out of reach. Emma Sing added a consolation try for England in the 80th minute, but the damage was already done as Canada finished the series undefeated.

England now prepares for a match against the USA in New Jersey next Friday. The team faces the prospect of three consecutive losses for the first time since 2013. Canada’s performance solidifies their standing after the two sides previously drew 26-26 in Exeter last September.