Steelers power into World Championship semi-finals unbeaten

The Australian Steelers have powered into the semi-finals of the 2026 World Wheelchair Rugby Championship after a commanding 59 to 47 victory over Denmark, maintaining their unbeaten record in São Paulo.

Australia delivered another composed performance under pressure, controlling the contest from the opening whistle to secure their place in the final four and continue their campaign to defend their World Championship title.

Chris Bond, Ryley Batt, Shae Graham and Emilie Miller opened the match for Australia, with the quartet playing the entire first quarter without a substitution as they worked in perfect harmony to establish control early.

Bond won the opening tip-off and it did not take long for Batt to make his mark, scoring Australia’s first try as the Steelers quickly found their rhythm.

For Miller, the opening quarter was a reflection of the work the team has put into building its cohesion throughout the year.

“Yeah, we've worked really hard this year on building that cohesion and those values of backing each other and supporting each other, both on and off the court,” Miller said.

“I love that we're seeing that come through in our rugby and that we're able to just push each other right to the end for that quarter to get us up and about, ready for the next three quarters for the rest of the team to come on.”

Australia finished the opening quarter with a 16 to 7 lead before changes were made to the lineup for the second quarter, with Bond joined by Ella Sabljak, Beau Vernon and Andrew Edmondson at the opening.

The Steelers continued to apply pressure throughout the game, with Josh Nicholson producing a sensational performance defensively. Consistently in the right position to deny Denmark access to the ball, Nicholson disrupted their attacking flow and forced crucial turnovers.

“I think that we came together very well. I think we played well as a team,” Nicholson said.

“Personally, I was happy with how I went and managed that I could come in and make an impact when needed.”

Nicholson’s performance highlighted the strategic side of wheelchair rugby, with positioning and anticipation proving just as important as the physical contests.

“I think people assume that it's all about the contact, but I think there's an element of a strategy that people don't see and understand,” he said.

The first half was played at a vastly different pace to Australia’s chaotic clash with Brazil earlier in the week, with just 36 minutes required to reach half-time compared with the 49-minute first half against the hosts.

The Steelers took a 31 to18 advantage into the main break and continued to build their lead after half-time, holding Denmark at arm’s length through the third quarter.

Australia led 46 to 32 heading into the final quarter before closing out the 59 to 47 victory.

Vernon was named Player of the Match after another influential performance, contributing at both ends of the court as the Steelers secured their place in the semi-finals.

The result keeps the Steelers unbeaten at the World Championship, but Nicholson said the team was keeping its focus firmly on the task ahead.

“I think we're happy with how we're going, but careful not to get too confident or carried away,” he said.

With a semi-final now awaiting them, Miller said the Steelers would remain focused on the processes that have brought them this far.

“Now heading into semi-finals, we're just focusing on our processes and getting everything right. We're just focusing on what our next step is and not looking too far ahead,” Miller said.

“Getting our setups right, getting our plays right and just controlling what we can control in our own domain and letting the result take care of itself.”

The semi-final will also provide another opportunity for the Steelers’ women to showcase their place at the highest level of the sport.

“It's such a valuable opportunity for us here to be able to demonstrate what we can do and showcase to our little ones that we can actually come out as women and play this kind of sport,” Miller said.

“Hopefully they are looking up to us as role models and want to do something like this in the future.”

With their unbeaten run intact, the Steelers are now one win away from a place in the World Championship final as they continue their pursuit of back-to-back titles.

Let's go, Steelers. 🇦🇺

For more information, or access to imagery and interviews, contact:

Emily Newton (Manager – Media & Marketing)
emily@wheelchairrugby.com.au

Emily NewtonComment