Toronto (Canada) (AFP) - Canada ended England’s four-year unbeaten streak with a thrilling 24-21 victory over the reigning women’s rugby world champions in Toronto on Friday.

A last-gasp try by Canada substitute Shoshanah Seumanutafa settled a thrilling battle between the two arch rivals at BMO Field in the global series.

England’s Red Roses – who had been held to a 26-26 draw by the Canadians at home last month – looked to be powering to victory after surging into a 21-12 lead early in the second half.

But Canada, roared on by a fired-up home crowd, refused to buckle.

Canada’s tight-head prop Daleaka Menin narrowed the deficit after crashing over from close range in the 64th minute for a converted try that made it 21-19.

Then in the closing stages, Canada’s relentless pressure paid off as the home side worked the ball into space to send Seumanutafa diving over in the corner to make it 24-21.

Canada’s victory ends the longest unbeaten streak in women’s rugby history.

England, who defeated Canada in last year’s World Cup final, had not lost a game since being beaten by New Zealand in the final of the 2022 World Cup.

“We just talked about the resilience this team has showed over and over again,” Canada captain Sophie De Goede said afterwards. “In every facet off the field we show resiliency and we try to translate that on the field.

“I think we toughed it out at the end their to find a way to win,” the second row said.

England captain Meg Jones had no complaints with the loss.

“Credit to Canada, what an outstanding performance,” Jones said. “We just want to regroup now.

“There were probably some key moments we didn’t execute on, but look, we’re only human, we’re only rugby players and we’ll definitely learn from that.”

Earlier, Canada had taken the lead with a cleverly worked try in the 16th minute from Savannah Bauder.

But England capitalised on a yellow card against Laetitia Royer to rattle in 14 unanswered points with tries from Maddie Feaunati and Zoe Harrison to lead 14-5 at the break.

Canada though hit back early in the second half with a solo try from winger Alysha Corrigan that made it 14-12.

Yet England pulled clear again soon afterwards when prop Sarah Bern barged her way over to leave the English 21-12.

The two teams meet in a second Test in Ottawa next Friday.