Full Breakdown
Canada Stuns England in WXV Clash, Sets Up High-Stakes Rematch
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Canada Ends England’s Unbeaten Run
On a cold Ottawa night, Canada defeated England in the WXV Global Series, ending the Red Roses’ 41-game unbeaten streak. Reported final scores differ between accounts, ranging from 31-22 to 24-21. The victory marked England’s first consecutive loss in a decade and gave Canada a statement win as they look toward the 2029 World Cup.
Background & Context
England entered the match on a four-year unbeaten run that began after a 2025 World Cup final loss to Canada. The Red Roses had not lost back-to-back games since 2016. Canada, having narrowed the gap with a narrow loss in the 2025 final, entered the series with a year-long improvement trajectory that many view as positioning them as serious contenders for the 2029 tournament.
Key Performers
- Sophie de Goede (Canada captain) – scored a hat-trick and delivered standout defensive work, reinforcing her status as the reigning World Player of the Year.
- Julie Omokhuale (Canada) – contributed crucial tackles and a decisive try that helped break England’s “white wall.”
- Amy Cokayne (England) – scored England’s only try before de Goede’s second-half surge.
Official Statements & Responses
- Adam van Koeverden, Canada’s secretary of state for sport, announced new funding for Rugby Canada from the commentary box, adding, “I love it!” as the score was confirmed.
Lineup Changes Ahead of the Rematch
England reshuffled its starting XV for the Friday rematch in Ottawa:
- Ellie Kildunne moved to the bench, with Emma Sing starting at full-back.
- Sadia Kabeya earned a starting spot, while two-time World Cup winner Alex Matthews shifted to the bench.
- Helena Rowland and Mia Venner replaced Claudia Moloney-MacDonald and Tatyana Heard at inside centre and wing respectively.
- Flo Robinson and Hollie Aitchison were added to the bench as half-back options.
Data & Statistics
- Reported scores: 31-22 (Guardian match report) vs. 24-21 (Guardian preview).
- England’s unbeaten streak: 41 matches.
- de Goede’s hat-trick: three tries in the first half.
- England’s only try: Amy Cokayne’s rolling maul from the 22.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The two Guardian articles provide different final scores for the same match (31-22 versus 24-21). No additional source clarifies which figure is definitive, leaving the exact margin of victory unresolved.
What’s Next
England will host Canada again on Friday in Ottawa, seeking to restore confidence before facing the United States on 30 October, the final WXV Global Series match before the Women’s Six Nations in April.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She [Kildunne] adds huge value, she is just going through a difficult period at the moment,” — John Mitchell, promotion head coach
- “Last Friday, we lost sight of what we could control when it mattered most. That's on us to fix,” — John Mitchell, promotion head coach