Rory McIlroy rallies late to avoid cut and stay in contention at Australian Open

After a rare air shot while playing under trees at the 14th resulted in a bogey to drop back to one over in his second round, the Northern Irishman faced a possible an early end to his long-awaited return to the tournament.

But the World Number Two, who last played in Australia's national championship in 2014, responded as he birdied the 15th and then picked up shots over the 17th and 18th to card a three-under-par 68 at Royal Melbourne.

With scoring made easier on Friday compared to the opening day when players faced high winds over the world-renowned Composite Course, McIlroy was taking the positives from his last flourish.

At two under through his opening 36 holes and seven shots adrift of the clubhouse leaders, the 2013 champion is retaining the faith he can mount a challenge for a second Stonehaven Cup as he begins his bid to win a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title this week.

"I certainly haven't had my best stuff over the last couple of days, but it was nice to finish the way that I did," he said.

"It wasn't looking great after the bogey on 14… but overall, a great finish [and] delighted to be here for the weekend.

"Seven isn't too far back. I feel like if I can go out tomorrow morning and shoot a good one, I can get myself right back into the tournament."

The lead at the halfway mark of the tournament is held by Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen and Portugal's Daniel Rodrigues, who are tied at the top on nine under par after rounds of 66 and 64, respectively.

Both players are chasing their first-ever victory on the DP World Tour, with Neergaard-Petersen sporting three Challenge Tour titles to his name.

The Dane mixed four birdies and an eagle at the par-5 14th with a solitary bogey to grab a share of the lead with Rodrigues, who drained eight birdies and dropped just one shot to shoot the day's lowest round.

The duo lie one shot clear of Min Woo Lee, who carded a 65 on Friday, and two shots ahead of two more Aussies - Cameron Smith and Adam Scott and Mexico's Carlos Ortiz, who share fourth place on seven under.