The Australian Steelers taught the New Zealand Wheelbacks a murderball lesson today as they cruised to a 49-34 victory on day three of the International Wheelchair Rugby Four Nations Tournament at Sydney Olympic Park.

The Australians remain undefeated in the five day tournament and look set to go into the semi-finals tomorrow as the top seed.

Australian Head Coach Brad Dubberley praised his team’s efforts today after blasting them for their lacklustre attitude in their win against Great Britain yesterday.

“We needed to improve from yesterday. Even though we did beat Great Britain, it wasn’t good enough from any of the guys. You can’t play International Wheelchair Rugby with a relaxed attitude. Today, the guys were much more intense so I’m pleased with that performance,” Dubberley said.

“I’m a happy man. Today’s win was a real team effort, everyone did their bit.”

With New Zealand eager for their second win of the tournament, the match looked set to be yet another bitter trans-Tasman battle and it proved to be the case in the early exchanges, with the Australians just edging out New Zealand to take a one point lead into quarter time.

But it was after the quarter time break when the might of Australian attacking stars Ryley Batt, Andrew Harrison and Cameron Carr really began to shine through.

With the trio leading the way, the home side deconstructed New Zealand’s usually tough line of defence to open up a seven point lead at the long break, before the one-way traffic continued in the second half.

Batt was again the top point scorer with 35 goals, followed by Harrison (six goals) and Carr (five goals).

Ranked number two in the world, Australia is set to play third ranked Canada at 4pm at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre, in the last of game before the semi-finals.

“The win against New Zealand has lifted the team confidence going into the Canada game,” said Dubberley.

“Canada are a quality team, it’s a step up in the level of skill required to win against them. This morning’s win will keep our momentum rolling.”

Staged by the Australian Paralympic Committee, the tournament at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre runs until Sunday.