Australia's men face a daunting quarter-final against South Africa on Sunday (5.58pm kickoff AEDT) after fluffing their lines on the opening day of the 2023-24 World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai.
The Aussies dropped their opening two pool games on Sunday, losing 19-12 to Ireland and 31-14 to Argentina.
But a bonus point 25-7 victory over Spain was enough for John Manenti's side to scrape through as one of the best third placed pool finishers.
Watch the World Rugby Sevens on the home of rugby, Stan Sport, kicking off in Dubai this weekend. Every round exclusive, ad free, live and on demand
There are only 12 teams at each tournament in this SVNS season.
"The first two games weren't where we wanted them to be," Australia captain Nick Malouf admitted on Saturday night.
"(But) to come out and put on a performance (against Spain) – luckily the calculations worked out that we got through to tomorrow.
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"What makes poor performances so frustrating is that we know we're a good side. This morning was disappointing but as that (match against Spain) shows, when we got the footy, when we do the simple things really well, we look good. Doing what we'd spoken about for the first time today was the most pleasing thing.
"Tomorrow's a whole new day – nothing from today really counts, so we'll put our best foot forward."
South Africa will start warm favourites in the quarter-final after they stunned New Zealand 21-19 in the final game of day one.
The Blitzboks, winner of the last four Dubai titles, came from 19-7 down to extend their winning streak in the city to 27 matches.
South Africa and New Zealand, the defending sevens world series champion, had already qualified for the quarter-finals but Dubai's most successful teams played as if they were meeting in a fifth final.
In the other men's quarter-finals, New Zealand will play the United States, Fiji meets Ireland and Argentina faces Samoa.
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In the women's competition, defending series champion New Zealand's unbeaten run was marred by a serious looking injury to captain Sarah Hirini.
Australia will meet the United States in the last women's quarter-final at 5.36pm (AEDT) after cruising through pool play 3-0.
The other women's quarters feature New Zealand against Brazil, Ireland vs Canada and France against Fiji.
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