Australia’s men’s team have fallen just short of toppling hosts England in the quarter-finals of the London rugby Sevens, going down 21-17 on Sunday.

Australia had a perfect opportunity to win when they had a lineout 30 metres out from the England tryline with 20 seconds remaining, but a poor throw ruined their hopes of scoring a match-sealing try.

The home side claimed possession and with it a spot in the semi-finals against South Africa, who edged out old rivals New Zealand 14-5.

Ireland reached their first-ever Cup semi-final on the world series after beating the United States 22-12 and they’ll face Fiji, who thrashed Canada 40-7.

Tries to Lachie Anderson and Maurice Longbottom lifted Australia to a 12-7 lead at halftime, but all their momentum was lost when they failed to find touch from a penalty.

Dan Norton and Alex Davis crossed for five-pointers for England to put them in command, ahead 21-12.

Ben O’Donnell kept Australia in the contest with a late try, but they lacked the poise to finish the job.

Australia will take on New Zealand in the fifth-placed playoff.

Tim Walsh’s team topped their pool after winning all three games on the opening day, beating Ireland 33-7, Wales 20-12 and Spain 28-22 on Saturday.