Australia’s wheelchair rugby group has received the World Cup gold medal in Paris.
“Worldwide Wheelchair Rugby Cup champions, that has a pleasant ring to it,” coach Brad Dubberley mentioned.
“Completely everybody jumped in and contributed to this win.
“From the athletes, teaching workers, group administration and all of our assist workers right here, it is an enormous group win for our entire program.”
The world champion Steelers broke a four-year victory drought towards Japan 52-48 within the semifinal earlier than outclassing Canada within the closing.
It’s the first time World Rugby and World Wheelchair Rugby have hosted twin competitions.
The Wheelchair World Cup was additionally a check occasion for subsequent yr’s Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Australia will now put together for the Paralympics as gold medal favorite after lacking out on a medal at Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021).
“[It’s] a powerful confidence enhance for the video games,” Nationwide efficiency director Paul Kiteley mentioned.
“The group understands that there’s nonetheless loads of arduous work forward however a really optimistic feeling amongst the group that we’re on monitor.
“The teaching workers did an excellent job and have been in a position to determine and observe some key tactical points that have been very efficient towards our opponents.”
The Aussies final yr received the world championships in Denmark by beating america within the closing, with Ryley Batt named the match MVP.
Batt was at his greatest within the gold medal match in Paris this morning, regardless of carrying a minor shoulder harm.
Captain Chris Bond was additionally dominant.
Bond, 37, has declared subsequent yr’s Paralympics will likely be his final: Batt, 34, has not but determined his future past Paris 2024.
After a good first half, with just one level the distinction, Australia created a snug lead over the Canadians.
The ultimate rating was 53-48.
Australia had begun the match with a 48-49 loss to Canada.
Wins over Nice Britain and Denmark certified the Steelers for the semis.
The Aussie squad featured debutant Beau Vernon, a former high-profile nation soccer coach.
The total squad was Chris Bond (captain), Ryley Batt, Brayden Foxley-Conolly, Jayden Warn, Shae Graham, Ella Sabljak, Andrew Edmondson, Beau Vernon, Michael Ozanne, Ben Fawcett. Coach — Brad Dubberley.
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