Australia will play off for fifth at the Sydney Sevens rugby thanks to a late double from barnstorming teenager Jeral Skelton in a 17-14 defeat of France in the men’s competition.

Missing three injured players, Australia looked flat and off the pace after a narrow loss to Fiji earlier in the day consigned them to the minor placings.

With the loser of the clash sent packing, Australia’s tournament looked to be done and dusted when they trailed 14-5 midway through the second half and continually turned the ball over with unforced errors.

But they found a way at Spotless Stadium through 19-year-old Skelton, who put an exclamation mark on his already impressive weekend.

Twice he put his powerful frame through the French defence to rescue the hosts, who will play South Africa in the play-off for fifth a year after what was a rare finals win against the same opponent at their home event.

It would be a fair result for a side that has ebbed and flowed over the two-day event, losing in ugly fashion to Argentina but showing plenty in a win against South Africa and narrow loss to Olympic champions Fiji.

Their final clash will hold plenty of meaning in an Olympic qualifying season, where the top four sides earn automatic berths in Tokyo next year.

Currently sixth in the standings, a win for Australia would draw them one point closer to South Africa, who started the tournament nine points ahead in fourth.

New Zealand play Fiji and England meet USA in the two major semi-finals later on Sunday, with all four teams already above Australia and set to move further ahead on the standings.

“Everyone’s fighting for every single point so we have to dust ourselves off and make sure we finish this round on a high and make sure we take every single point on offer,” coach Tim Walsh said earlier in the day.