It’s true, this is far from panic stations. In 2016, England were the defending world champions when they lost to France and beaten finalists Canada. Since then, they’ve been imperious, winning a second World Cup, reaching the final in 2017 and 2022, and lifting nine of the past 10 Six Nations titles.
This is only their third defeat in 74 matches, so perspective is required.
But England’s performances throughout the WXV Global Series highlighted areas for improvement.
They have lacked their usual clinical edge in attack. In Ottawa, Sarah Bern was held up over the line and England conceded a turnover less than five metres out as they failed to make their dominance pay before the break.
Tellingly, they opted to kick a penalty early in the second half to close the deficit – perhaps a lesson learned from last month’s 26-26 draw in Exeter, where they turned down a shot at goal to snatch the win in the dying moments.
In defence, they have conceded 18 tries across their past five matches in the WXV, compared to eight in six at the World Cup. They have trailed at the break three times, something they hadn’t experienced since 2020.
Last week, ill-discipline repeatedly gifted Canada field position before a late handling error, which put a clearing kick under pressure, opened the door for the hosts’ winning try.
On Friday night, Gabrielle Senft picked off a bouncing ball from a missed pass to set up Canada’s second try. Minutes later, England were lucky not to concede a similar try when a pass bisected Jess Breach and Jones, who pounced on the ball just before Lizzie Gibson got to it.
“We were riding the waves, building phases, scrum, set piece, we were very strong. Sometimes it’s the bounce of the ball or it doesn’t swing your way. We couldn’t execute when we got in their 22, that’s a big one to reflect on for sure,” said Jones.