Great Britain through to Wheelchair Rugby World Championships semi-final

Great Britain have qualified for the semi-finals of the Wheelchair Rugby World Championships for the first time since 2006 with victory over France in Sydney.

In a gruelling game which was intensely close throughout, the Brits held on for a six-point triumph, 47-41, to add to the wins over Canada and Colombia on Tuesday.

It was all square after the first quarter, each team scoring 14 points apiece, but from then on Britain increased the pressure and edged ahead, where they stayed for the entirety of the game.

France came within three points after the third quarter and pushed Britain all the way, having been 25-20 down at the halfway stage.

With only five minutes left the gap was still just three points, until Jamie Stead crossed for Britain to calm the nerves and put them in a commanding position at 42-38.

The British team displayed great professionalism to see out the game, shutting the French down at every opportunity with some solid defence.

A secure lead was formed with two late tries in quick succession as the clock ticked down and Great Britain sealed their place in the World Championships semi-final for the first time in 12 years.

Britain finished second in Pool B after USA beat Canada 54-47 to secure the top spot with four wins out of four.

The Brits will face world number one and defending champions Australia in a tough challenge on Thursday, after the hosts beat Japan 65-52 to remain undefeated at the Championships.

Fixtures (UK time):

Sunday August 5: Poland 31-55 Great Britain

Monday August 6: USA 47-41 Great Britain

Tuesday August 7: Great Britain 55-43 Canada & Great Britain 57-20 Colombia

Wednesday August 8: Great Britain 47-41 France

Thursday August 9: Australia v Great Britain (07:00 AM)