Two places are available in Rio at the tournament ©Luc Percival for FFH/IWRF

United States began the Rio 2016 Wheelchair Rugby Qualification Tournament with two victories in the round robin phase in Paris today,

The Americans, the London 2012 bronze medallists, began by easing past Germany 64-43 before proving to be too strong for New Zealand, 54-34.

Host nation France also began in fine style with a pair of wins in front of their home fans in the capital.

They began with a 64-33 win over Finland, who are considered the weakest of the entrants at the tournament, and then edged past Denmark 59-52.

Both the French and US now look odds on to progress to the semi-finals with four from the six team group advancing - two automatically and two via play-offs.

Six countries are hoping to qualify for Rio in Paris
Six countries are hoping to qualify for Rio in Paris ©Luc Percival for FFH/IWRF

The two winners of the last four clashes will then book their place at the Rio 2016 Paralympics.

In other matches played today, Denmark pipped the New Zealanders, 54-52.

The round robin action will continue tomorrow,

Defending Paralympic champions Australia have already qualified for Rio, alongside Great Britain, Sweden, Canada, Japan and hosts Brazil.