Scotland set up a Cup quarter-final against New Zealand despite being held by four-man Argentina in a thrilling finale to the first day of the Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens.
The Pumas levelled with the last kick of the day but Scotland only needed a draw after a thumping win over Australia.
Richie Vernon thundered down the outside to put Scotland ahead but Argentina replied twice to go 10-7 up.
Greig Laidlaw crossed after Argentina had two men yellow-carded and Vernon grabbed his second try after an opponent had been red-carded for an apparent headbutt.
However, Colin Gregor took too long to take a conversion and Argentina fought back to level at 17-17.
The point was enough for Scotland thanks to the earlier 33-7 triumph over Australia.
Jim Thompson grabbed a double and Andrew Turnbull, Vernon and Gregor completed the five-try rout.
Stephen Gemmell's men took their blistering form into the next game against South Africa.
Colin Shaw's classy finish was followed by another Thompson score, and a clever shimmy by Turnbull allowed him to cross before Gregor converted again to put Scotland 21-7 up.
But late tries from MJ Mentz and Danwel Damas, his second, brought the South Africans within two points, and Stefan Basson's last-gasp penalty sealed a 22-21 triumph.
Despite throwing away two wins, Gemmell was delighted his side had progressed to face IRB Sevens World Series champions New Zealand.
"I think it's aged me by 50 years," he told BBC Radio Scotland.
"I can only speak highly of my players. I don't think anyone gave us a chance to get out of this section but we only lost one game, by one point.
"We have got absolutely nothing to lose."
The All Blacks won their group with a 21-12 win over England after whitewash wins over Russia and Portugal.
England, who drew with Russia, will play South Africa in the last eight.
Wales set up a quarter-final clash against France after winning all their group games against Samoa, Spain and Canada.
Fiji, who also had a perfect record, will play the Samoans in the Cup.
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