Olympic gold medal favourites Australia have one hand on the women's World Rugby Sevens series title after finishing third in Canada.
Having won all three previous rounds, the Pearls' streak was halted in a 15-5 semi-final defeat by England in Vancouver on Sunday.
They rebounded with an Amy Turner try after the siren to defeat France 19-12 in the third-place playoff.
That placing, coupled with New Zealand's 31-14 loss to England in the final, ensured Australia maintained a 12-point lead in the series standings.
It means that the Australians need only finish seventh or higher in the final event of the season in France on May 28-29 to claim their maiden title in the tournament's four-year history ahead of the inaugural Olympic campaign in Rio.
"We would be a very proud team and honoured if we do win the title - it would be the perfect preparation as we head to the Rio Olympics in August," Australian coach Tim Walsh said.
"Our aim at the start of the season was to perform well at each tournament and then the World Series would take care of itself."
The loss to England was just the third match defeat suffered by the Pearls in the season.
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