A maiden world title beckons for John Manenti's reborn Australian rugby sevens outfit in Los Angeles.
Two points shy of South Africa in second, a semi-final appearance could be enough to push them clear in the World Series finale, depending on the results of the Blitzboks and other teams in contention.
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Even a podium finish would be something to salvage for a program that was gutted as part of Rugby Australia's budget cuts, with only six fully-contracted players allocated at the beginning of the season.
Former women's mentor Manenti then watched as his star recruit, Wallabies centre Samu Kerevi, rupture his ACL in a Commonwealth Games worst-case scenario last month.
They finished fourth while the women, 2016 Olympic champions and recent World Series winners, again stole the show with a rousing charge to gold in Birmingham.
"You never know how many chances you will get in your career to achieve something like this, so everyone is determined to really go out there and take the opportunity," Manenti said.
"On the back of the women's success in winning the World Series, the men are motivated and keen to emulate their performance and make it a rare double for any sevens national teams."
Australia begin their campaign against Japan on Sunday morning (AEST) before a potential banana skin game with current third-ranked side Argentina, who are also within striking distance of the title.
Their third pool game is against Spain on Sunday afternoon.
Former Melbourne Rebels outside back Billy Meakes, now playing for the LA Giltinis, returns to the squad alongside debutant and NSW Waratahs flyer James Turner.
"I'm excited for Billy and James to join us – Billy obviously brings a lot of Rugby experience to the squad, and James is a bit of a jet," Manenti said.
"We also need to be conscious of having a strong performance across the tournament as we build towards the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town next month."
