Rooty Hill, NSW, Australia, November 18, 2007

Was a hot one here today, with highs in the 30’s and 80% humidity and no a/c in the practice facility. Suffice it to say it wasn’t a quad-friendly place (Kevin Betts Stadium) but we are done with that place as we will be heading to the Sydney Olympic Park. But before we left there, we had 2 friendly matches against Australia in which we were victorious by a 41-36 mark and we also won our half game with New Zealand by 4 (21-17). All the teams played their benches and although Canada played well, the real deal starts on Tuesday with NZ and Korea. Kudos’ to our staff that tried its best to keep the athletes cool with the ice towels, ice vest and our mad scientist's formula that kept the boys going. But the credit for the performance today lies with the players who seem to be in good form and ready to take on the world. Keep it going Canada!

Whitehead had some killer hits today, 2 on Ryley Batt and one on Steve Hannan, DAMN!!! Chan got his stuff ;) was a happy camper!

Today was also an opportunity to see for the very 1^st time, the Chinese National Team with their homemade chairs (nice and shiny) didn’t blind anyone. It seems they have 2 models for chairs, offensive and defensive built with the same measurements. They are led by Coach Mrs. When who was introduced by their interpreter Jiang Yi. They seemed in awe of all the goings on. This is their 1^st trip outside of China and their 1^st glance at world class rugby. As good ambassadors we introduced ourselves to the Chinese and offered assistance to help their rugby cause.

We also saw the Koreans who seem to be on the right track with close to up to date equipment and with some rugby experience.

The South Africans also showed up without class 2.5 Luan “Where did the sun go, oh wait it’s the humongous South African” Degenaar but with new players with a wide range of disabilities but undoubtedly improved from the last time we saw them in September 05.

Tomorrow (November 19^th) will be a quiet day as the players will rest up from their day in the heat. The 1^st event for the team will be a 1 hour session with Dr. David Cox (our Sports Psychologist) from 11 to noon and once again from 2 to 3pm, lunch will be from noon to 2. Then we'll have a strategy meeting from 4-5pm and then we'll get ready for a fancy reception with dignitaries. Tuesday will be much more interesting rugby wise but we got to do what we got to do ;)

I will have more info for U shortly, stay tuned.

Marco tired. Bye, bye ;)