The USA maintained their proud record with a 70-44 win in a fast-paced match against France during the Paralympic Games wheelchair rugby competition at the Basketball Arena in London Friday.

In a strong all-round team performance, the USA shared the goals around - with Chance Sumner top scoring with 11, as he was supported by Chuck Aoki (10), Joe Delagrave (10), Seth McBride (9) and captain Will Groulx (9).

France's Riadh Sallem put 21 points on the scoreboard, using his tough tackling style and brute force to blast his way through the USA defence, but his efforts only served to keep the deficit down.

Australia topped Group B with a 58-43 win over Belgium.

Cameron Carr and Ryley Batt struck early as Australia established a 15-13 lead at the first break.

Batt and Chris Bond continued to dominate in both attack and defence, while Naz Erdem and Ryan Scott pinned Belgium back effectively, allowing their team to stretch the lead to 29-19 at half-time.

Belgium rested Lars Mertens in the third quarter as Batt and Bond continued their goal spree. Mertens later returned and made an impact, scoring five goals, but it was too late for Belgium to turn the game around.

Australia coach Brad Dubberley said afterwards: 'It was a good win by the team. All the guys in the team played well. Don't let the score hide the fact that Belgium are a great team and they played well.'

Elsewhere, Japan moved through to the semi-finals as they beat Great Britain 51-39 at the Basketball Arena.

The Host Nation players were punished for a below-par second quarter performance that saw them outscored 13-4, with Daisuke Ikezaki doing the most damage for the Asian nation as he finished the match with 24 goals.

Elsewhere, Canada scraped through following a 53-52 Group B triumph against Sweden.

Zak Madell continued his hot scoring streak for the Canadians in a game that went right down to the wire.

A team-high 13 goals from Tomas Hjert led the Swedish challenge but they fell just short.

Canada coach Kevin Orr said: 'It was definitely a bit dicey in the third quarter when Sweden went in front.

'But I knew the win would come late. The coaching and conditioning we've done over the past four years makes sure we can fight to the end. The players didn't give up.'