Australia's Rugby Sevens team have suffered big defeats to the US and South Africa on the first day of a weekend competition in Cape Town on Saturday, with a win over Russia the only positive.
In round two of the Sevens World Series, Australia went down to the US 19-0 and to South Africa 29-7 in two tough Pool A clashes, failing to continue their good form from the Dubai Sevens last weekend.
The Australians beat Russia 36-0 and will play Uganda in the Challenge Trophy Quarter Finals on Sunday evening.
Australia Men's Sevens Head Coach Andy Friend said it was a disappointing day.
"We were our own worst enemy and we started really poorly. We had multiple chances against the USA with six visits into the 22 with no result. Full credit to the USA, they took their chances and deserve their victory.
"I thought we were a lot better against Russia and came out in a very spirited game against South Africa. I don't think the score reflected the game, I thought we put up a really good showing, but we didn't get the rub of the green at all which hurt us there."
Friend said the best that Australia could finish now was ninth so a win against Uganda was a must to achieve that.
In Saturday's game against Russia Jesse Parahi, Ed Jenkins, James Stannard, Charlie Taylor, Sam Myers and Stephan Van der Walt scored tries and in the South Africa game Myers, the captain, scored the only try.
