Australia's grip on the rugby sevens women's world title has slipped further after claiming bronze in Canada as New Zealand stretched their championship lead.
Australia, last year's Olympic and world champions, earlier lost Sunday's semi-final to hosts Canada 17-10 in Langford after beating the US in the quarters.
They were dominant in the third-place play-off against France despite conceding the first try after two minutes.
Cassandra Staples hit back a minute later with a try on the back of brilliant Australian link-up play in midfield.
Staples had a second try a minute later to help Australia to a five-point lead at halftime before Rio Games stars Emilee Cherry and Chloe Dalton crossed to help the side to a 26-12 victory.
Australian coach Tim Walsh lamented missed opportunities in their sole loss for the tournament against Canada.
"We had our chances against Canada. In parts, we played really well but our last little efforts let us down," he said.
"If we scored two tries I can think of, it would have been a different game. But that's the difference between winning and losing in sevens and our young players will take a lot out of that."
New Zealand won the tournament - their fourth title of the season - by beating Canada 26-12 in the final.
The Black Ferns headed into the 2016-17 series' penultimate leg with a 10-point lead ahead of nearest rivals Australia atop the world standings.
That has now grown to 14 points, with 20 points awarded to tournament winners.
Australia and Canada sit equal second.
The world series finale will be played in the French city of Clermont-Ferrand next month.
"We want to finish on a high in Clermont," Walsh said.
"First place is looking very unlikely but we have to battle for second, so we'll finish strong and make sure we get that position."
