Australia have survived a scare to defeat Scotland and qualify for the quarter-finals of the World Sevens event on the Gold Coast.

The Thunderbolts trailed 14-5 at halftime against the Scots but scored 19 unanswered second-half points to post a 24-14 win.

It’s the second victory from two matches for Australia, ensuring the hosts will finish in the top two in their pool regardless of this evening’s final match against Fiji.

James Stannard opened the scoring for Australia but Scott Riddell and James Johnstone’s tries put the Scots ahead at the break.

Fortunately for coach Geraint John and his men, a three-try blitz, including two to giant Pama Fou secured the win.

Despite having the top eight berth secured, Cameron Clark said Australia still want to defeat the powerhouse Fijians to top the group.

“That’s our ultimate goal coming into today,” Clark said.

“If we top our pool we might avoid a harder match in the quarter-finals. We’ll be looking to come out all guns firing in the last game.”

A loss to the Fijians would set up a quarter-final against South Africa, who have won their two clashes so far.

Topping the group would mean a likely last eight match against Wales, who defeated Kenya in a thriller and need a win over minnows American Samoa in their final pool match to reach the last eight.

Fiji are also guaranteed a quarter-final berth after beating Scotland and Portugal while defending world champions New Zealand thrashed Japan 59-0 to book their spot.

The All Blacks will face off with Samoa this evening to determine top spot in Pool A.