Canadian women's rugby team rallies from slow start but can't catch England in test match

Canada recovered from a slow start Saturday but could not keep up with top-ranked host England, losing 50-24 in a women's rugby test match in Exeter, United Kingdom.

The two teams meet again next Saturday at London's StoneX Stadium, home of Saracens and Canadians Alex Ellis, McKinley Hunt, Emma Taylor, Maya Montiel and captain Sophie de Goede. They are also slated to meet at the WXV tournament next month in New Zealand.

The English women, who have been together for six weeks, are all on professional contracts. The fourth-ranked Canadians, who last played on July 14, had been together for about a week and there were signs of rust with handling and other errors causing problems.

Canada's defence was lacking in the early going with England running in three tries in the first 15 minutes. The Canadians answered with two tries to cut the lead to 17-12 within 20 minutes but the Red Roses kept coming and led 21-12 at the half.

The Canadians turned it up in the second half but England matched them.

"We started very poorly. We gave so much [away] — easy tries to England," said Canada coach Kevin Rouet. "We know that and the beauty of that is we're going to play them twice again so it's going to be good for us."

The victory means England retains its top spot in the world rankings over New Zealand, a position the Red Roses have held since November 2020.

England now leads the series with Canada with a 30-3-1 record.

Justine Pelletier, Tyson Beukeboom, Emily Tuttosi and Maddy Grant scored tries for Canada. De Goede booted two conversions.

Ellie Kildunne and Helena Rowland each scored two tries and captain Marlie Packer, Lucy Packer, Mackenzie Carson and Maisy Allen added singles for England. Rowland kicked five conversions.

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