Adam Scott remains well-placed to complete the Australian Triple Crown although his lead at the top of the leaderboard in Sydney was cut to two shots.
Scott is aiming to add the Australian Open titles to the PGA and Masters crowns he has already claimed - with Robert Allenby, in 2005, the only other player to complete the feat.
Scott, though, faces stiff competition from Rory McIlroy, with the Northern Irishman carving his way through the field.
Scott had been the star performer in the opening round after a course record 62, however he found the scoring on Friday tougher as storms had an impact.
A mixed round, including seven birdies, three bogeys and a double bogey at the fourth, left the Masters champion to sign for second round 70.
And Scott, who is on 12-under for the tournament, will be casting an anxious look over his shoulder after McIlroy made his move to highlight his return to form.
"It was always going to be a day where you just had to hang on," Scott said.
"He (McIlroy) is one of the best players in the world so I'm going to have to bring my best game."
McIlroy, taking advantage of the calmer conditions early on, picked up nine birdies and two bogeys on his way to seven-under for the round - and 10-under overall.
"The weather wasn't as bad as we thought it was going to be and the wind didn't pick up," he said.
"So I knew we could take advantage of that, and the greens were a little bit softer as well."
Richard Green is a shot further back after his round off 66, while, Matthew Jones is on eight under.
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