Australia has let a 14 point lead slip as they went down to the USA 19-14 in extra-time in their opening game at the Perth SVNS.
After a scoreless first half, the Aussies looked set to race away with the win when they scored twice after the break.
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However, Perry Baker wound back the clock with some magic, scoring twice before Malacchi Esdale completed the comeback in extra time.
“It was a real dogfight out there. Proud of the boys' efforts to stay in the fight but disappointed in the end when we went away from things that were working,” vice-captain Maurice Longbottom said after the match.
“We have to go back and watch, have the hard conversations in the huddle and we’ll come back out tonight and right those wrongs.”
Defence dominated the first half as neither team troubled the scoreboards in the opening minutes.
Hayden Sargeant looked dangerous early on but it was the Americans that had the best chance of the game.
The USA sprinted away and looked certain to score, only for Nathan Lawson to come up with the try saving tackle.
Lawson and Josh Turner linked up before the break and found space, however, Turner was unable to hang on as they went into the break scoreless.
Longbottom kicked Australia into life out of the half-time break, stepping through and scoring the opener.
The relentless pressure of the Aussies started to pay dividends, with replacement Dietrich Roache gliding through to extend the lead.
The Americans are never out of it with Perry Baker on their side and he marked his return with a typical flying try off the kickoff, racing away for the instant response.
Baker then got his second with a minute to go to level the scores and send the game into extra time.
The Aussies had their chances but couldn't find the killer blow as a series of offloads opened them up and allowed Esdale to cross.
“We came out hot in the second half but we just went to sleep and went away from the things that were working," Longbottom added.
“We know how Perry (Baker) is going to play and we just game him too much space and time and he hurt us.
“We just have to park it and move on to GB. They’re going to face us tonight and we’re going to come out firing and trying to put the sword to them.”
