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international women
England Vice-captain Amy Cokayne insisted the Red Roses were not in “panic mode” following their WXV Global Series loss to Canada.
Shoshanah Seumanutafa’s try in the 78th minute proved to be the difference between the two teams as Kévin Rouet’s side registered a 24-21 victory.
The defeat at BMO Field ended the Red Roses’ 41-match unbeaten run, their first loss since 2021. Rugby World Cup final vs New Zealand in Eden Park.
Because of the face Canada again this Friday night at Ottawa’s TD Place, the Red Roses have a chance to register an immediate response.
“We know we’re not miles away,” Cokayne said. “We didn’t get completely excited. A lot of things were under our control and maybe we let the game go.
“Just a few minor mistakes that had big consequences. No major panic stops, throw the book out. It was just fine-tuning what we had already laid the groundwork for.”
After the loss, Cokayne revealed that the team had already analyzed the loss and identified areas for improvement.
“There were little moments or little pieces of execution that we know, with an extra week together, we can fix,” she said.
“We have some clear areas where we want to go and a clear plan. Hopefully we can put it all together during practice this week and deliver on Friday night.”
Defeat is unfamiliar territory for many in the Red Roses squad, some of whom have never lost a Test in an England shirt. Jess Breach, meanwhile, suffered her first such loss in her 60th game.
As a member of England’s leadership group, Cokayne helped the team overcome disappointment and refocus on the challenge ahead.
“It’s okay to be disappointed,” Cokayne said. “It’s okay to be sad, but when we have work to do, come to training and stuff like that, we have to see that change.
“We have to give people the space to feel the way they want to feel, but we can’t wallow in it for too long.”
Friday’s second leg offers the Red Roses an immediate opportunity to get back to winning ways against the same opposition.
When England lost the 2021 Rugby World Cup final, they had to wait almost 12 months for another chance to face New Zealand. On that occasion, they came out victorious.
The second leg against Canada will also give England a chance to build momentum before they end 2026 with a trip to New Jersey to take on USA Women’s Eagles on Friday 30th October.
“The only opportunity we have now is that before, when we lost games, we didn’t have the opportunity to play the same opponent next week,” Cokayne said.
“So I think everyone is really excited about the opportunity we have now to play the same opponent just a few days later. I’m sure Canada is just as excited as we are, so it should be a good game.”
