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The battle for World Championship selection will be a fascinating sub-plot for the Australian Steelers when the Musholm Cup concludes on Wednesday in Denmark.
Still winless from four outings at the tournament, the Cup will stay out of reach of the Australians who lost to both Denmark and Canada on Tuesday for the second consecutive day.
But with the World Wheelchair Rugby Championship beginning in just 61 days, Australia’s final two matches may still be extremely consequential.
“The message to everyone will be to give everything they’ve got for these last two games,” Australian assistant coach Jason Lees said.
“As long as the effort and the intent is there and the intensity is high, I’m going to be happy with whatever the score is.
“We’ve still got some spots on the line for the World Championships so it’s going to be the last chance for some of these players to put their hand up to be selected.”
Leading the Steelers in Denmark while head coach Brad Dubberley remains in COVID isolation, Lees said he was much more satisfied with the performance of his squad on day two.
After the Canadians thumped them by 18 and the host nation won by 10 just 24 hours earlier, the Steelers showed more fight and more discipline in their 59-56 defeat to Denmark and a 59-49 loss to Canada.
Experienced stars Chris Bond and Andrew Edmondson both played huge minutes and drew praise from Lees.
“The effort was a lot higher today. There is still a lot of stuff we can really work on but we’re trying some new things, so I was happy that we could be competitive for longer,” Lees said.
“We asked for a lot more from our more experienced players today but we needed to. We need to show our new players how we play and what it’s all about so it’s a big effort, but I’m happy with how they’re going.
“I think with some new players, it’s going to take a little while to get that consistency but we’re definitely on the right track.”
Ella Sabljak and James McQuillian, both making their first appearance for the Steelers at this tournament, have also been particularly impressive according to Lees.
“Ella has been unreal. The speed that she’s progressing since coming over from wheelchair basketball has been really impressive. It’s been a very smooth transition.
“I thought today James did a great job. For someone who is so new to the sport, particularly at this level, it’s a great achievement for him.”
The Australians return home from Denmark later this week, will hold two training camps as a squad in September and will then return to Denmark to chase their fourth consecutive appearance in a World Championship gold medal game.
The 2022 World Wheelchair Rugby Championships begin on October 10.
By: Tim Mannion, Paralympics Australia
Posted: 10 August 2022
