Canada looking for first win at wheelchair rugby world championships

Following a 55-43 loss to Great Britain on Monday, Canada is still looking for its first victory at the GIO 2018 IWRF Wheelchair Rugby World Championships through the first three games. 

Monday’s clash in Sydney, Australia was another close duel, with the score 26-23 in Great Britain’s advantage at halftime. The British were able to pull away in the second half though. A tough opponent, the Brits finished fifth at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, just one spot below Canada. 

Despite the loss, Canada found some positives. 

“Over the first three games, I’ve been very surprised, in a positive way, by the performances of our younger players,” said head coach Patrick Cote. “Branden [Troutman], Shayne [Smith] and Eric [Rodrigues] have all played exceptionally well, putting in solid shifts. Considering that they are playing in their first-ever world championship, it’s been positive seeing them perform the way they have.” 

Two more preliminary round match-ups remain for Canada. The squad will take on Colombia at 10:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, followed by the United States at 4:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday. Colombia’s record currently sits at 2-1, while the USA is undefeated. 

Both games will be broadcast live on CBCSports.ca and the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s Facebook page.  

Feature Photo: Kevin Bogetti-Smith/Wheelchair Rugby Canada