WXV: England retain crown with comeback victory over hosts Canada
ByOli Gent
Updated 13/10/2024 at 13:17 GMT+1
England were forced to dig deep in defence of their WXV1 title as they came back to beat hosts Canada 21-12 at BC Place in Vancouver. The Red Roses are now unbeaten in 20 matches dating back to their World Cup final defeat to New Zealand in 2022, but they fell behind twice to the amateur side. England also survived a sin-bin for Ellie Kildunne, but they roared back in style to seal the crown.
'We're number one for a reason' - Jones reacts after England defend WXV1 crown
Video credit: TNT Sports
England produced a second-half comeback to beat Canada 21-12 and defend their WXV1 title at BC Place in Vancouver.
The Red Roses were pushed to the limit by the side ranked No. 2 in the world, but John Mitchell’s players dug deep to extend their unbeaten run to 20 matches, which dates back to the 2022 World Cup final loss at the hands of New Zealand.
The hosts, who were handed their first defeat of the year here, made the most of their dominance in the early exchanges, camped in the visitors’ 22 for much of the half, and they went ahead through Justine Pelletier’s dot-down, as she broke through Hannah Botterman.
They were quickly pegged back as Maud Muir powered over for England in a lively opening 10 minutes, set up after a strong drive from Alex Matthews following a scrum.
Canada, who are still an amateur side, regained their lead and took full advantage of their additional player, with Ellie Kildunne, the England full-back, in the sin bin for slowing the ball down.
Alex Tessier, the captain, finished off a flowing team move, but forwards Sarah Bern and Zoe Aldcroft both scored for the Red Roses to turn the game on its head and hand England their second straight WXV1 title.
- Sale cruise to dominant bonus point win to leave Newcastle rock bottom
- 'It makes you realise how much you miss it' - Hutchinson enjoying being back after injury
"I think we won ugly - sometimes you have to do that," Mitchell said. "That was a proper Test match and that is great for us, so we will take a lot of good from this.
"This tournament was everything we wanted and needed, we have got to keep learning and getting better."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/10/12/4050925-82156148-2560-1440.jpg)
Highlights: Late Ibitoye hat-trick helps Bristol beat Exeter in thriller
Video credit: TNT Sports
Which Autumn Nations Series matches are on TNT Sports?
In April, it was announced that TNT Sports would broadcast every game of this year's Autumn Nations Series. Below is the full list of fixtures and kick-off times BST.
WEEK 1
November 2
- England v New Zealand, Twickenham Stadium, kick-off: 15:10
- Scotland v Fiji, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, kick-off: 17:40
WEEK 2
November 8
- Ireland v New Zealand, Aviva Stadium, kick-off: 20:10
November 9
- England v Australia, Twickenham Stadium, kick-off: 15:10
- Italy v Argentina, Stadio Friuli, kick-off: 17:40
- France v Japan, Stade de France, kick-off: 20:10
November 10
- Wales v Fiji, Principality Stadium, kick-off: 13:40
- Scotland v South Africa, Murrayfield Stadium, kick-off: 16:10
WEEK 3
November 15
- Ireland v Argentina, Aviva Stadium, kick-off: 20:10
November 16
- Scotland v Portugal, Murrayfield Stadium, kick-off: 15:10
- England v South Africa, Twickenham Stadium, kick-off: 17:40
- France v New Zealand, Stade de France, kick-off: 20:10
November 17
- Italy v Georgia, TBC, kick-off 13:40
- Wales v Australia, Principality Stadium, kick-off 16:10
WEEK 4
November 22
- France v Argentina, Stade de France, kick-off: 20:10
November 23
- Ireland v Fiji, Aviva Stadium, kick-off: 15:10
- Wales v South Africa, Principality Stadium, kick-off: 17:40
- Italy v New Zealand, Allianz Stadium, kick-off: 20:10
November 24
- Scotland v Australia, Murrayfield Stadium, kick-off 13:40
- England v Japan, Twickenham Stadium, kick-off 16:10
WEEK 5
November 30
- Ireland v Australia, Aviva Stadium, kick-off 15:10
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/10/12/4050964-82156928-2560-1440.jpg)
Highlights: Leicester claim convincing derby victory over Northampton
Video credit: TNT Sports
Stream the Gallagher Premiership, 2024 Autumn Nations Series and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement