They weren't playing in the match they had hoped for, but the Australian women have finished their Tokyo sevens campaign with a victory.
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The side, featuring Wollongong's Emma Tonegato, defeated America 17-7 in the playoff for fifth to end a disappointing campaign on a positive note.
Australia were left to rue a disastrous day two of the competition, the team falling to the USA in their final pool match before a quarter-final loss to Fiji on Friday night.
The early exit came at the end of a disjointed lead in to Tokyo, with injuries and a lack of matches hampering coach John Manenti's efforts to prepare his team for the Olympics.
Defending champions from 2016, the squad bounced back on Saturday to defeat the ROC before the win over America to secure fifth-place.
The match typified Australia's campaign, the side lacking confidence and disjointed in attack at times.
USA made a number of errors that handed their opponents multiple attacking opportunities and while Australia struggled to make inroads they eventually crossed twice in the final minute of the first-half to lead 10-0 at the break.
Manenti's side had a chance to kick clear early in the second, however America held firm before they raced 80 metres to cut the deficit to just three.
That made for a nervous final few minutes, but Australia eventually put the game to bed through a Demi Hayes try.
The focus will now turn to next year's Commonwealth Games and the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Change is expected within the program, with many of the Australians approaching the end of their careers.
Reports emerged on Saturday that Manenti was offered a contract extension prior to the Games, a decision that is sure to raise eyebrows given the disappointing Tokyo campaign.
Australia have not won a tournament since the coach took over in March 2018, a run that includes a semi-final exit at the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens.
Should he remain, Manenti has three years to return Australia to the top of the women's game and ensure they challenge for gold in Paris.