
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.