Australia's woeful start to the Tokyo Sevens has put a big dent in their chances of early qualification for next year's Rio Olympics.
Losses to lowly Portugal and Scotland in their first two pool matches on Saturday meant Australia - currently fourth in the series standings - dropped out of the Cup competition.
The Australians then found form and beat heavyweights New Zealand 19-14 in their last group match.
The top four teams at the end of this year's World Rugby Sevens series earn automatic qualification for the Rio Games, while those missing out will get another chance via regional competitions and a world playoff tournament.
Australia's shock defeats in Tokyo have opened the door for fifth-placed England, who are through to the Cup competition thanks to victories over Hong Kong and Wales, to leapfrog Geraint John's team into the coveted top four.
Australia will still bank some points on Sunday from the Plate or Bowl competition and can make amends at the last two tournaments in Glasgow (May 9-10) and London (May 16-17) in the nine-round series.
New Zealand still took top spot in Pool B on Saturday, helped by a 38-0 hammering of Scotland.
Series leaders South Africa topped their group with three wins from three.
Fiji, chasing a first world series win in nine years, secured first place in Pool A by beating England 33-19.
In Sunday's quarter-finals, New Zealand face Canada, South Africa take on Scotland, Fiji play Japan - in the knockout rounds for the first time since 2000 - and France will play England.
Fiji beat South Africa in the final of the Tokyo series last year.
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