Volleyroos captain Nathan Roberts hits off the top of the Thailand block.
In day two action it was again the highest ranked teams that moved another step closer to claiming a men’s volleyball World Championship berth.
In the first match at the AIS Arena we saw Japan easily overcome New Zealand 3-0 (25-11, 25-16, 25-10). Japan is ranked at no. 14 in the world and was just too experienced for the no. 50 ranked team from across the ditch.
The Volleyroos backed up from their opening win against New Zealand with a solid win over Thailand who is the world-ranked 42nd team on the FIVB rankings. The final score was 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-19).
Australian Head Coach Mark Lebedew brought Nathan Roberts into the starting lineup for the match against Thailand, and with his added experience, the team was just too solid for Thailand.
Friday is a rest day for the Volleyroos ahead of their big match against Japan on Saturday.
On day three New Zealand plays Chinese Taipei, followed by Japan v Thailand.
Volleyroos player Lincoln Williams spikes past the block of no 10 Kittinon Namkhunthod and no. 1 Jirayu Raksakaew from Thailand
The view from the subs area
Paul Sanderson no. 4, jump serving against Thailand in the first set at the AIS Arena in Canberra.
No. 4 Paul Sanderson takes on the triple block.
Thailand player hits down the line past the Volleyroos block
Australian Volleyroos coach Mark Lebedew during a timeout.
Australia’s Travis Passier hits past Kittinon Namkhunthod from Thailand
Beau Graham and Lincoln Williams blocking Kittikun Sri-Utthawong from Thailand
Harrison Peacock attempts to block the captain of the Thailand team, Kittikun Sri-Utthawong.
Nathan Roberts dives to retrieve the ball against Thailand
No. 5 Kissada Nilsawai listening to the coach during a timeout.
Thailand head coach Monchai Supajirakul
No. 18 for the Volleyroos, Lincoln Williams jump serving
The Volleyroos celebrate winning a point against Thailand
Nathan Roberts attempts to retrieve the ball against Thailand as it heads out of play
Paul Sanderson digs for the Volleyroos
Paul Sanderson serves for the Volleyroos
Chakkit Chandahuadong spiking for Thailand
Former Volleyroo Greg Sukochev is presented with an award in recognition of his 197 matches for the team.
Harrison Peacock setting
Thailand hit off the block of Nathan Roberts
Nathan Roberts goes over the Thai block
Kitsada Somkane receives serve for Thailand
Luke Perry digs a spike
Luke Perry at full stretch to slap the ball up towards his team
Nathan Roberts down low to receive serve
Thailand receives serve
Paul Sanderson no. 4, Beau Graham no. 1 and Lincoln Williams put up a triple block against Thailand in the first set.
