ANALYSIS – Rugby Canada defeats England 31-22 and retains the Utrecht Shield at TD Place Stadium. Sophie de Goede had a game to remember, scoring three tries. They were the better team on Friday against Ottawa, and the scoreline showed it.
Note: Canada also retains the Utrecht Shield that they earned when they beat England back at BMO Field. The Utrecht Shield is a women’s rugby lineal world title dating back to 1982, according to the Rugby Canada website.
Sophie de Goede Stepped Up Against England
Sophie de Goede Scored Three Tries Against England
It was a game to remember for Sophie de Goede. She scored three tries in the game, converted a tough conversion, and then made a great steal during the game.
- Sophie de Goede’s second try might have been the most impressive; after the scrum, she navigated her way to an easy try.
- Her third try came from a maul, as Canada pushed over the try line and de Goede scored.
Additionally, de Goede’s first try came from Gabrielle Senft’s awareness. She capitalized on a turnover and an England mistake. Senft made a strong run, spotted de Goede, and passed to her for the try.
Rugby Canada captain, de Goede, talked about winning the game in front of the home fans at TD Place Stadium, according to Cleve Dheensaw for the Times Columnist website:
“I am immensely proud; it’s so special for us to do it on home soil,” de Goede said in a statement. “The crowds have been incredible, and I’m very proud of our team and very proud of the showing that we had as Canadian fans,” added the Oak Bay High School graduate and player for the James Bay and Castaway Wanderers programs.
13,117 fans filled Canada’s capital city on Friday. This is the second-highest attendance in Canadian women’s rugby union national team history. The only higher attendance came earlier this month, on October 16, when 18,621 fans attended, and the team won 24-21.
Rugby Canada Took Advantage of England Rugby’s Turnovers
The biggest part of the game was England’s turnovers and how Canada used them to their advantage.
Some examples include:
- Sophie de Goede stole the ball from England, preventing them from advancing into Canada’s end. Then a few minutes later,
- Fabiola Forteza made a great tackle, allowing DaLaeka Menin to steal the ball and regain possession.
In fact, the first try de Goede scored came from a turnover Gabrielle Senft created in her team’s favour. This theme continued throughout the game: when England got close to Canada’s line, the Canadians found a way to win a key turnover to prevent England from scoring tries.
READ MORE: Rugby Canada and Exeter Chiefs Prop: DaLeaka Menin
Rugby Canada’s Defence Was Exceptional
Rugby Canada’s defence was exceptional throughout the game. There were times when England was pressing for a try, but Canada was able to withstand the storm. Some examples include:
- In a four-to-five-minute stretch into the 31st minute, England looked like they were going to score. They pressed hard and got deep into Canada’s line. However, Canada did not break as DaLeaka Menin made a fantastic defensive play.
- Canada were able to create turnovers in their favour with some great plays.
That onslaught specifically from around the 26th to the 31st minute was exceptional. England had a lot of possession of the ball, and it looked like they were going to score. However, they didn’t score, and it played a big role in Canada winning the game.
READ MORE: Rugby Canada Earned A Historic Draw At Sandy Park
Other Factors: England Rugby Defence Was Exceptional
The reason why the game was as close as it was was because of England’s defence. It felt like Canada, for most of the game, had a lot of the momentum and the possession. However, England was prepared for this and defended well. Some examples include:
- England defended well and made sure Canada did not score the first. They defended their line quite a lot and ended up scoring the first try of the game. From a scrum, Lucy Packer found Maddie Feaunati, who scored the try. Feaunati converted the kick in the ninth minute of play.
- Despite being under pressure most of the game, England found a way to keep the game close against Canada.
For Canada, the standout performers were Julia Omokhuale and Savannah Baule. Omokhuale scored a fantastic try early in the game and made a key defensive play deep in Canada’s zone. Meanwhile, Baule has scored two tries in her last two games against England, highlighting her importance to the national team.
READ MORE: Rugby Canada Ends England Rugby’s 41-Game Unbeaten Run
The Canadian national team also gained confidence after beating England at BMO Field on October 16. This is what de Goede said about it, according to Cleeve Dheensaw for the Times Columnist website:
What Is Coming Up Next
Canada has no scheduled games for the rest of 2026. Their next games will most likely be the 2027 Pacific Four Series, as they face the United States of America, Australia, and two-time defending Pacific Four Series champions New Zealand. Canada has won two Pacific Four Nations trophies, with the last one being back in 2024.
As for England, they do have a game coming up against the USA. That game will take place at Sports Illustrated Stadium at Red Bull Arena, in Harrison, New Jersey. That game will take place on October 30 at 5:15 pm EDT (2:15 pm PDT).
Photo Credit: Utrecht Shield Facebook Page and the Rugby Canada Facebook Page, October 23, 2026 (uploaded on October 24, 2026).
