England and Canada roar into a WXV rugby rematch after big opening wins
England and Canada secured decisive victories in the opening of the WXV Global Series, setting up a highly anticipated rematch of their previous World Cup final. Other matches saw New Zealand defeat France in a competitive display.
Why it matters
These results establish the current hierarchy in international women's rugby as teams prepare for future global tournaments.
England and Canada set up a rematch of their Women's Rugby World Cup final from last year with crushing wins to begin the new WXV Global Series on Saturday.
The Red Roses overturned their first halftime deficit since 2020 and blew away Australia 48-15 with a seven-try second half in Salford.
Canada outclassed Scotland 64-26 in Edinburgh.
England will host Canada next Saturday in Exeter in their first matchup since the World Cup final a year ago at Twickenham, where England won 33-13.
In their first match since winning a record eighth straight Women's Six Nations title in May, England was plagued by errors in the first half and thwarted by Australia's scrambling defense.
But a lineout maul try for hooker May Campbell quickly put England in a groove in the second half and the host extended its record winning streak to 39 matches.
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