Recent history will repeat in Paris as Australia’s men’s rugby sevens outfit face the same three teams in their second-straight world series appearance.
The Australians, sitting fourth in the standings ahead of the world series finale, will again play pool games from Saturday against Wales, Spain and surprise packets Ireland.
Coach Tim Walsh is still kicking himself after the side had failed to move on to the last four, despite progressing smoothly to the quarter-final stage against the same trio last weekend in England.
Australia beat Ireland in the pool rounds but it was the wildcard side, playing in their first tournament of the season, who went on to finish third.
The result left Australia with a narrow lead over the USA and England and means, barring a miracle, they are too far back to threaten New Zealand for third in the overall standings.
Australia, who enjoyed a rare tournament win earlier this year in Sydney, have never won the world series and done no better than fourth since the 2009/10 campaign, in which they claimed bronze.
Despite a run of injuries, there have been signs of improvement this season and incoming coach Walsh, who had jumped from the women’s job after April’s Commonwealth Games, hopes a sharp finish will consolidate a well-earned fourth spot.
“We had a good session today and we’re really looking forward to the weekend,” he said.
“It was unacceptable, parts of our game (in London) and we know that as a group.
“We have the opportunity now to turn it around and get out there and do what we love.”
Jeral Skelton, Brandon Quinn and Dylan Pietsch all return to the starting squad for Paris, with Joe Pincus also replaced in the 12 by Liam McNamara.
Teams will switch their attention to July’s World Cup, to be held in San Francisco, at the conclusion of the Paris tournament.
Australian men’s sevens squad:
Lachie Anderson, Tim Anstee, Lewis Holland (capt), Boyd Killingworth, Maurice Longbottom, Tom Lucas, Liam McNamara, Sam Myers, Ben O’Donnell, Dylan Pietsch, Brandon Quinn, Jeral Skelton, Joe Pincus (13th man).