The Australians strengthened their favourites tag for the Championships in Denmark in August by overcoming hosts Canada 62-54 in the final, led by star man Ryley Batt.

The 25-year-old was in scintillating form registering an impressive 43 goals in what was a repeat of the final at London 2012.

The Australians were in control throughout and led 32-27 at the break before going on to secure their second Canada Cup win with a dominant second half display.

"The game was really intense," said Batt, named as the tournament's most valuable player.

"It is so hard to play Canada on home soil, they have that cocky nature about them and they really lifted the intensity in the final.

"But our physical condition is really good at the moment and it pulled us through the game.

"We just didn't want to let Canada think that they were in the game at all."

Australia took advantage of the absence of reigning world champions the United States, who defeated the Australians in the 2010 World Championship final in Vancouver.

Head coach Brad Dubberley was delighted with his side's performance against what he admitted were tough opponents.

"It was a really good final and a really good tournament for us," he said.

"It would have been good to get the newer guys in there towards the end [of the final], but unfortunately the game was a bit too close."

In the bronze medal game, Japan overcame Great Britain 52-48 in what was a close encounter.

Ryley Batt was the star man for Australia in Vancouver picking up the most valuable player of the tournament award ©Getty Images



Attention now turns to the World Championships in Odense, due to take place from August 1 to 10.

Australia, who have yet to be crowned world champions, will join 11 other sides at the tournament which will see the United States aiming for a fifth title.

The Americans have dominated the event, winning the first two editions in Nottwil, Switzerland, in 1995 and Toronto in 1998 before Canada claimed the title in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2002.

The United States reclaimed the Championships in 2006 when they were held in Christchurch, New Zealand, before retaining the title in 2010.

The big three will be joined by hosts Denmark, European champions Sweden, Great Britain, Germany, France, Finland and Belgium.

New Zealand and Japan complete the line-up.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related Stories
June 2014: World's top wheelchair rugby teams set for 2014 Canada Cup
December 2013: US announces squad for 2014 Wheelchair Rugby World Championships
December 2013: IWRF confirms 12 nations for 2014 Wheelchair Rugby World Championships
November 2013: Australia take Asia Oceania while Japan seals 2014 World Championship spot
October 2013: United States secure home victory over Canada at IWRF Americas Championship