Canada's women's rugby team edged by England for WXV 1 title in Vancouver

Canada's women's rugby team appeared poised to do the impossible Saturday — beat England.

Midway through the second half of their WXV 1 matchup, Canada's Alex Tessier slipped through England's line, darted up the field and slid in to touch. She then sent a kick soaring through the uprights to put Canada up 12-7.

The lead didn't last, but the experience will.

England — who sit atop the world rankings — came back to defeat the Canadians 21-12 in the international tournament's finale, and win its second straight title.

The game will provide crucial lessons for Canada as it prepares for next year's World Cup in England, said captain Tyson Beukeboom.

"I think the biggest takeaway is that we can compete with the top team in the world. I think we really challenged them. I think there was moments where they were very, very worried," she said. "Today, it wasn't our day. But the plan is it will be when it counts the most."

WATCH l Canada comes up short against England in WXV 1 final:

England went undefeated across the tournament and now have 20 straight victories. The squad has not lost since falling to New Zealand in the World Cup final back in November 2022.

The world No. 2 Canadians finished with a 2-1-0 record after earlier wins over fourth-ranked France and No. 6 Ireland.

For head coach Kevin Rouet, the three-week-long tournament showed the strengths of his team.

"We learned we have depth in our squad. That's the beauty at the moment," he said.

"We just need more time. And when we get these times, I think we're going to go the right direction."

Time together has been hard to come by for the Canadians.

While they've spent about five weeks together preparing for and playing in WXV this fall, the group won't reunite for