Australian coach Brad Dubberley has praised dynamic duo Ryley Batt and Chris Bond after the pair led the Steelers to a 59-57 semi-final triumph over Great Britain at the 2018 Wheelchair Rugby World Championship.
Their world title defence is on track after they outlasted the Brits in a tense affair on Thursday at Sydney's Olympic Park, where the margin was never more than four tries and a low eight combined turnovers ensured scoring opportunities were at a premium.
Having tasted success at the world titles in 2014 and winning back-to-back Paralympic gold medals, Dubberley's men face surprise packets Japan in Friday's gold medal match after they stunned four-time world champs the USA 51-46 in the earlier semi-final.
The mentor said although Batt and Bond, who scored all the Aussies' tries against Great Britain despite intense pressure in the half-court, had been copping plenty of attention all tournament, he had confidence in their fitness and resilience.
"We were in a difficult position tonight because none of our other line-ups were able to get the coverage and ... so we had to go with that one line-up only," he said.
"But the boys are extremely fit and now it's just a case of recover and move on."
Mercurial skipper Batt was again outstanding, scoring 35 tries against Great Britain, with many of them through sheer strength and force of will as the Brits double- and triple-teamed him throughout.
"I don't think I was expecting it to be that close. That's the best game I've ever seen them play," the 279-game veteran said.
"Props to GB but for us, we're definitely not getting too excited and it's all business until tomorrow."
Promising "war" in Friday's final, Batt was excited to face the Japanese, whose wheel speed, ball control and height will be a challenge for the world No.1s.
For fourth-ranked Japan, it marks their first appearance in a gold medal match at a major international tournament following bronzes at the Rio Paralympics in 2016 and the 2010 worlds.
Friday's world title decider at the Quaycentre Arena tips off at 4pm AEST.
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