WHEELCHAIR WORLD CUP GAME 8

France staked their claim for ultimate glory with a comprehensive victory over Australia to record three straight wins in their group having alreadt triumphed against Scotland and England.

Nicolas Claussells was the star once again as he bagged five tries, Dany Dewelaere grabbed a hat trick and Mickael Guane and Gilles Claussells added a brace each in a totally dominant display.

The Aussies could not handle the speed and strength of the French but they put in a valiant effort and Jason Attard managed to break through to score the Wheelaroos only try of the game.

“Of course we are very proud to have beaten Australia because they are a very good nation for rugby,” said France assistant coach Max Simon. “In the last World Cup, they beat us at the semi-final by 32-20 so we are very proud of all our players.”

After an explosive opening 10 minutes during with both sides spurned opportunities to score, Denwelaere finally found a gap to open the scoring and, moments later, the French went in again as Nicolas Claussells was sent through in the far corner by Gilles Claussells.

The French went further in front after Guane raced through for two consecutive tries to give Les Bleus a 20-0 lead and lightning quick passing down the line allowed Gilles Claussells to cross for a fifth score.

France exploited Australia’s stretched defence as Nicolas Claussells completed his hat trick with two quick touchdowns in as many minutes to stretch the score to 38-0.It was one-way traffic and the Aussies could not react quickly enough to the overwhelming speed of the French attack as Denwelaere claimed another score to give his side a comfortable 44-0 halftime advantage.

France came out firing on all cylinders in the second half and continued their relentless intensity as Denwelaere crashed in at the corner to complete his hat trick.Australia finally got points on the board with five minutes gone when Rick Engles kicked a penalty and Attard crossed.The Wheelaroos showed stubborn defence until the last quarter when Plaza touched down and added his fifth conversion of seven.

In the final 10 minutes, Nicolas Claussells came back on and scored two back-to-back tries and Gilles Claussells coasted through.

FRANCE
Lionel Apazard, Gilles Clausells, Mickael Gaune, Jean-Yves Ducos, Manuel Morais, Nicolas Massatt, Dany Denwelaere, Nicolas Claussells, Fabian Plaza, Jerome Bonnet

AUSTRALIA
Jason Attard, Rhys Baxter, Daniel Begman, Craig Lannane, Fabian Castillo, Rick Engles, Brad Grove, Mitch Stone, Jason Voncina, Yara Ryan