women
international women
England were stunned by the late rally from Canada as the Red Roses fell 24-21 in their WXV Global Series conflict in Toronto.
Shoshanah Seumanutafa came off the bench to score the winning try in the 77th minute, ending England’s 41-match unbeaten run.
After a draw in the previous clash last month in Exeter, Canada rose to the challenge early when they opened the scoring through Savannah Bauder in the 15th minute.
Quickfire tries from Maddie Feaunati and Zoe Harrison just before half-time put England 14-5 up at the break.
The points rolled in as both teams crossed just after play resumed, but a 63rd-minute try by DaLeaka Menin kept the door open for Canada.
Soon after, a raucous home crowd erupted for Seumanutafa’s match-winner, and Canada was able to hold on and snuff out England’s historic run.
Speaking after the match, England head coach John Mitchell said he was focused on taking what positive he could from the defeat.
He said: “We are not driven by the outcome. We are disappointed with the result but there were some very good things in our game tonight. So we will stick to our processes.”
“I guess (the loss) frees us up and allows us all to find more.
“I know there’s more to this group, but sometimes it takes the context we just got to dig deeper and find something more.
“Maybe everyone in the group can probably review their ‘whys’ and reestablish them because I’m sure they’re changing and evolving as they experience what we’re going through.”
Mitchell’s side will face Canada again next Saturday in Ottawa before completing the away leg of their WXV Global Series games against USA in New Jersey on October 30.
