Australia’s men’s team have defied a spirited USA comeback to claim a crucial 26-19 win in their opening Sydney 7s clash.
The hosts sprinted to a 19-0 half-time lead against the fleet-footed Americans, but looked to have coughed it up when the visitors levelled proceedings in the second half.
But Australia steadied once finally allowed possession, with Tim Anstee running onto a perfectly timed pass from the ruck to run 80m untouched for the match-winner.
It reversed Australia’s 31-14 loss to the US in the most recent World Series leg in Cape Town and puts them in the box seat to top their group after Saturday’s games against Canada and Scotland.
Earlier, series leaders New Zealand breezed by Russia 61-0, England beat Spain 22-10, Argentina pipped Kenya 7-5 and second-placed South Africa beat Papua New Guinea 50-0.
And Olympic champions Fiji put on a second-half masterclass to beat Samoa 31-5 in a five-try performance that brought the crowd to life.
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