Ottawa (AFP) – Sophie De Goede scored a hat-trick as Canada notched back-to-back wins against England with a 31-22 defeat of the reigning women’s rugby world champions on Friday. Canada, who had ended England’s four-year unbeaten streak with a victory in Toronto last Friday, followed up that win with a superb performance in Ottawa.
Canada skipper De Goede was the hero for the home side, finishing with a 21-point haul at TD Place Stadium. England took the lead with an early try from number eight Maddie Feaunati converted by fly-half Zoe Harrison. But Canada came roaring back when Julia Omokhuale barged over from close-range after a quick tap penalty in the 16th minute.
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An English mix-up in midfield allowed De Goede to grab her first try shortly afterwards, which left Canada 12-7 up at the break. England hit back with a Harrison penalty and a fine try by Amy Cokayne after an attacking line-out to edge into a 17-12 lead. But De Goede added her second and third tries in quick succession to put Canada into a 24-17 lead, which they extended with Savannah Bauder’s late score.
De Goede stroked over the conversion from the touchline to put Canada 31-17 ahead, before England grabbed a late consolation try from Emma Sing.
© 2024 AFP
