England battle to win over Canada to seal series

England completed their preparations for the inaugural WXV tournament with a hard-earned victory over Canada, who were reduced to 14 in the first half.

Captain Marlie Packer, Ellie Kildunne and Maud Muir scored in the first half.

Amber Reed and Jess Breach added tries after the break.

Interim head coach Louis Deacon made eight changes as England tried out some new combinations.

In a sometimes scrappy second half, England's attack missed opportunities and were frustrated by Canada's resilient defence.

There were some good signs with the new centre combination of player-of-the-match Amber Reed and Megan Jones, in her first start, putting in a strong showing.

On Sunday, England are due to name their 30-player squad for the WXV1 tournament, which takes place in New Zealand from 20 October to 4 November.

Former New Zealand coach John Mitchell will take permanent charge of the Red Roses when he leaves his coaching role with Japan's men at the end of their Rugby World Cup in France.

He could join up with England before their opening match against Australia on 20 October if Japan fail to make it out of Pool D.

More to follow.

Line-ups

England: Kildunne; Breach, Jones, Reed, MacDonald; Aitchison, Hunt; Botterman, Cokayne, Muir, Aldcroft, Beckett, Talling, Allen, Packer (capt).

Replacements: Powell, Carson, Bern, O'Donnell, Galligan, Packer, Bridger, Dow.

Canada: Grant; Farries, Bermudez, Perry, Scurfield; Gallagher, Pelletier; DeMerchant, Tuttosi, Menin, Beukeboom, Holtkamp, Senft, Svoboda, De Goede.

Replacements: Boag, Hunt, Ellis, Royer, Forteza, Apps, Seumanutafa, Symonds.

Red card: Senft

Referee: Amber McLachlan (Australia)