Australia will play either New Zealand or Canada in the Sydney 7s final after outlasting Russia 31-0 in the semi-finals.

The lung-busting defensive effort continued Australia’s incredible clean sheet after five games and put them one win away from repeating their World Series round one victory in Dubai.

Australia threw in a few handling errors to keep Russia in the game, but the visitors were not able to find a way through the desperate defensive line.

Early defensive pressure from Australia led to the first try, Emilee Cherry crossing in the left corner despite some resilient Russian defence.

Emma Tonegato then scored on the same patch of grass with 90 seconds left in the half as both teams struggled for breath.

Charlotte Caslick then surprised Russia with a quick tap and run for another try after the break, before Cassandra Staples ran onto a deft grubber for the sealer.

Alicia Quirk then iced the result with a runaway intercept try after the buzzer.

Australia will face a tough opponent either way in the decider, with Canada winners in Sydney last season, and the Kiwis the defending world champions.