Coach Brad Dubberley, who claims that his team will be going to London next year with the intention of winning gold, said: "We're going there for gold but we're focusing on getting the performance right and by doing that the results will happen."

However, squad member Ryley Batt (pictured) admitted that his team still have a mental scar from the defeat in 2008, when they lost 53-44 to the United States.

"To get a silver medal in Beijing at the time I was really happy but I think that was our opportunity to get a gold and we blew it a bit," said the 23-year-old from New South Wales.

"I'm hoping by London we will be the best team in the world.

"I think we do have a bit of mental scarring against the US but I know we can beat them and we have to overcome it."

As well as losing to the US in 2008, the Australians were also defeated by the same opponents in the final of the 2010 World Championships in Vancouver, a result that sent the US through to London 2012 as the first qualifier to join hosts Great Britain.

Australia took gold in the Asia-Oceania Championships in 2009, beating New Zealand into second place, and they will have to retain their title in November to qualify for London 2012.

Dubberley is confident of success after winning four of the last five regional championships.

"We know we have the team that can be the best in the world," he said.

"We have a lot more depth now the young guys are coming through and the experienced ones are playing top notch rugby.

"The team is a lot quicker and we have more power in the tank."

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