Canada doubles down on Red Roses
Canada captain Sophie de Goede scores one of her three tries against England to the delight of Julia Omokhuale (right), in Ottawa on Friday. (Justin Tang / The Canadian Press)
OTTAWA — Sophie de Goede scored three tries Friday as Canada defeated England 31-22 in the Rugby Rematch Tour of the WXV Global Series.
It was the second straight win for the Canadian women over the top-ranked English side following last week's 24-21 triumph in Toronto.
It also marked the first time England has lost two consecutive matches since 2016.
“Immensely proud and it's so special for us to do it on home soil, too,” said Canadian captain de Goede. “The crowd has been incredible, too. Very, very proud of our team and very proud of the showing we had as Canadian fans as well and the incredible events that Rugby Canada put on.
“Within our team we've talked about it a lot about backing up a great performance with another one so to be able to have such a strong performance this weekend is something that we'll hold on to for the next few months until we can get together again.”
The win in Toronto snapped the Red Roses' 41-game unbeaten streak. Canada also ended England's 39-game winning streak with a 26-26 draw last September in Exeter.
Maddie Feaunati opened the scoring with a try for the Red Roses in the eighth minute and, after the conversion by Zoe Harrison, England led 7-0.
Canada got that back with a Julia Omokhuale try in the 16th minute that was converted by de Goede, who then scored a try of her own on a long run to give Canada a 12-7 halftime edge.
The Red Roses struck quickly for 10 points early in the second half using a drop goal from Harrison and a try for Amy Cokayne to take a 17-12 lead.
Canada quickly regained the lead on de Goede's second try and conversion of the match gave Canada a 19-17 lead in the 55th minute. DaLeaka Menin and Savannah Bauder then scored in the 62nd and 64th minutes to put Canada up 31-17.
Emma Sing scored a try in the 81st minute to pull England to within 31-22, but after a failed conversion the final whistle blew.
CANADA 31
ENGLAND 22