Steelers open World Championship campaign with victory over Canada
The Australian Steelers have opened their World Championship campaign with a 50 to 41 victory over Canada in São Paulo, in the first game of the entire tournament.
As the opening match of the World Championship, the Steelers and Canada had the honour of setting the tone for the competition. From the opening whistle, the contest delivered a physical battle with both teams throwing themselves into defence.
Australian captain Chris Bond won the opening tip-off, but Canada's pressure and some early turnovers made for an unusually cagey start. It was almost a full minute into the first quarter before either side found the scoreboard, a rare sight in wheelchair rugby.
Canada were first to make their mark, but the Steelers settled into their rhythm and began to build momentum. Australia finished the opening quarter with a 10 to 6 lead.
The conditions added another element to the opening clash. While it is winter in Brazil, the São Paulo sun brought plenty of warmth into the stadium, providing another obstacle for both teams to overcome.
Canada continued to challenge the Steelers across the four quarters, but Australia maintained control and finished strongly to secure a 50 to 41 victory and begin its World Championship title defence with a win. The victory was sweetened with Ryley Batt named Player of the Match.
Acting Head Coach of the Australian Steelers Lewis Quinn said the team were feeling positive and focused following the win.
“It was a tough game, Canada came out really strong, they played a really solid game, but I was super happy with how the team responded,” he said.
“It’s good to get the first one under the belt.”
The match also marked a significant moment for three Steelers making their World Championship debuts.
Cooper Blackwood made his first appearance at a World Championship after a rapid rise through the Australian program. Beau Vernon also made his Worlds debut, adding a first World Championship appearance to his experience of competing at the Paralympic Games.
Andrew ‘AJ’ Holloway was also welcomed into the Steelers line-up for his first World Championship after being called into the squad as a replacement for Lilliana Prucha, who was unable to compete due to illness.
While it is incredibly unfortunate that Prucha was unable to make her Steelers debut, her health and recovery remain the priority. Holloway's ability to join the squad at short notice is also testament to the depth, preparation and cohesive team identity within the current Steelers program, allowing him to rise to the challenge.
“It's such a credit to the depth of the squad that we've had AJ available here,” Quinn said.
“He's been training with us, helping us prepare and he belongs at this level. It was good that he was able to make the court tonight with his World Champs debut.”
Quinn added that while Prucha won’t be able to take the court with the Steelers this competition, he is hopeful that with some rest, in a few days’ time she will be joining the team’s supporters in the crowd.
The Steelers wish Prucha a strong and speedy recovery, and emphasise how much of an integral part of this campaign she has been, knowing that her impact will continue through this World Championship journey with the team.
The Steelers now turn their attention to their next challenge, with Australia set to face New Zealand in their second match of the World Championship.
📅 Tuesday, 18 August 11am BRT / Wednesday, 19 August 12am AEST
📺 Watch live: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYHEYOIRc7Eg&si=jCWr9reDUSlYU-8h
Let's go, Steelers. 🇦🇺
For more information, or access to imagery and interviews, contact:
Emily Newton (Manager – Media & Marketing)
emily@wheelchairrugby.com.au