Australia took the USA down a peg with a 15-12 win in the final of the Silicon Valley 7s on Sunday at Avaya Stadium in Santa Clara, CA.

While the Aussies had the stronger performance in the title game, both teams looked almost untouchable through much of the tournament.

The USA shut out England 27-0 in dominant fashion in the semis. Stephen Tomasin was strong on both sides of the ball and helped set up the USA's first try with a tackle and poach. He then got involved in linking Martin Iosefo to Ryan Matyas, who set free Ben Pinkelman in a movement that covered 90 meters.

Chris Mattina set up Pinkelman for another try, and then Iosefo showed some fancy footwork to extend the USA's lead — all in the first half.

In the second half, Mattina and Matai Leuta worked together for a long-range score, and then Kevon Williams got a try late.

It was pretty dominant for the Americans.

Meanwhile, Australia was equally impressive in a 27-0 win over Chile, running with power and purpose.

The final was tight.

Mattina almost made it to the line after some good work by the USA moving the ball. But the support was there and finally Pinkelman bulled over for yet another try for the captain.

Tomasin burst through for a try right at the end of the first half.

But the half wasn't quite over, Australia answered by putting Ed Jenkins through to cut the USA's lead to 12-5.

In the second half, Jenkins got onto the scoreboard once more to make it 12-10. Hoping to put the game away, the Eagles got Williams on the wing, but he was taken into touch.

From that lineout, Australia set up Maurice Longbottom for a length-of-the-field run, a try, and a 15-12 win.

It was a good test for both teams at the end, and everyone at the SV 7s said the warmup for the World Series was much needed.

"This has been very valuable to us," USA speedster Maka Unufe said.

The game time was useful for the Americans, but playing without captain Madison Hughes and regular veterans Danny Barrett and Perry Baker was also useful for the USA players. Pinkelman grew nicely into his role as captain, and Tomasin and Folau Niua had their own leadership jobs. 

While second place wasn't what they wanted, a lot came out of this.

Final: Australia 15, USA 14

3rd/4th: England 31, Chile 12

5th/6th: Samoa 26, Fiji 14

7th/8th: New Zealand 26, Japan 5

9th (Bowl Winner) and 10th: Ireland 19, Canada 12

11th/12th: China 34, Tonga 10