McQuillan’s 50th Cap Shines as Australia Defeat New Zealand 61–42
AUSTRALIA vs NEW ZEALAND
Day One 2025 Asia-Oceania Championship, Bangkok, Thailand
Photo credit: Albin John and Wheelchair Rugby Australia
Australia opened its Asia-Oceania Championship campaign in strong fashion, securing a confident 61 to 42 win over New Zealand in Bangkok.
The Steelers set the tone early with fast ball movement and structured defensive pressure, establishing a lead in the first quarter that they continued to build across all quarters.
The match also carried special significance for James McQuillan, who celebrated his 50th cap for the Australian Steelers. McQuillan was influential throughout, contributing with disciplined skills, defensive composure, and key support plays that helped Australia control the tempo. Likewise, Emilie Miller belatedly celebrated her 50 games with the team, having quietly met the milestone earlier this year.
Across the court, Australia applied consistent pressure on New Zealand, forcing turnovers and converting them into clean attacking opportunities. The Steelers’ varied line-ups ensured sustained intensity, while their team cohesion kept New Zealand from closing the gap, finishing the game with authority and closing out a 19-point victory.
The team know they have a big few days ahead of them, and the opening match was a great way to start the competition, Head Coach Brad Dubberley shared.
"It's very much about not being complacent. We've come here and we have to finish in the top two to qualify directly for World Champs next year, so that's pretty much what it's been all about: on process, and on target," Dubberley said.
"We've got some good opposition here, but it's about making sure that we are ready to perform regardless of what comes our way this week."
McQuillan’s milestone moment added an emotional layer to the win, marking an important personal achievement within a broader team performance.
"It's pretty special to hit the 50. I'm super proud of the team, we've played really well and it's such a great group at the minute. It's really special to be a part of it," McQuillan said.
"We're excited, and we're playing really good rugby, so if we can play at this same level for the rest of the games, we're in good shape.
"All the lowies played really well. They did their job and created good opportunities for our mids and our highs to do their jobs. I'm always proud of the lowies.
"We only had three turnovers for the whole four quarters, so it was an awesome effort by everyone involved. Everyone got a run, everyone played some really good minutes."
The match also marked Ryley Batt's return to competitive wheelchair rugby after taking some time away following the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
"It's lovely to play with Ryley, he's worked in well with the whole team and what we're trying to do, and it's good to have him back," McQuillan shared.
With a commanding first outing, the Steelers move forward with confidence and a focus on continued improvement as they prepare for their next opponent, South Korea at 2:30pm AEDT on Friday, 21 November.
Final score: Australia 61 defeated New Zealand 42
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