Aussie men undefeated in Sydney 7s heat
Australia will play the United States for a spot in the Sydney Sevens semi-finals after surviving with just five men in a gritty win over Scotland their coach hopes could be a turning point ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.
The hosts followed a comfortable 33-7 defeat of Japan with a defiant 31-14 win over Scotland at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday, running away with the latter game despite copping two second-half yellow cards.
A questionable yellow card for a Henry Hutchison high tackle and Josh Turner's deliberate knock-down left them two short for 40 seconds in 40C heat.
But Australia found a welcome composure in defence to hold the Scottish to just one penalty try in the second stanza before Maurice Longbottom, returning to the field after corking his leg, scored a double to see them home.
Australia's final pool game will come on Sunday against the undefeated Americans, the winner to progress straight into the semi-finals.
Not since the corresponding tournament two years ago have Australia's men or women won a world series tournament.
But just six months out from Tokyo's Games, coach Tim Walsh says he's starting to see signs of progress.
"We've been working hard on controlling momentum and when it's going against us how to claw it back," he said.
"When you're down to five players, to not let them score was great and I think so (that's progress).
"I reckon last year we would've lost that one to Scotland ... it's vitally important for momentum but also the muscle and mental memory of how to do it."
Stifling the pace of United States duo Carlin Isles and Perry Baker will be the task on Sunday morning, while Australia will be hoping to see the best of their own speed machine Trae Williams after a quiet contribution on Saturday.
The United States beat Scotland 32-14 and Japan 45-7 on Saturday, while Fiji were pushed in a 28-14 win over a plucky Kenya.
"It (that win) makes sleeping a lot easier tonight but USA, from what I've seen, they're in form and piling on the points," Walsh said.
"We're going to have to play a strategic game and bring the attitude that's going to help us into the semis."
