England staves off Canadian comeback to score women’s rugby test win

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — England staved off a Canadian comeback and held on for a 27-20 victory Monday in the International Women’s Rugby Series.

Trailing 15-10 at the half, the third-ranked Canadians went ahead 17-15 on a converted try in the 51st minute when Karen Paquin raced the length of the field to score on an intercept. But second-ranked England scored two late tries and its defence stayed sound as the Canadian women launched a final attack with no time left on the clock.

Canada lost 28-16 to top-ranked New Zealand on Thursday. England, which defeated No. 6 Australia 53-10 in its tournament opener, stretched its unbeaten run to eight matches.

The Canadian women face Australia on Sunday in Rotorua while New Zealand plays England to wrap up the competition.