Australia’s women have been thrashed 34-0 by Canada in the Sydney Sevens semi-finals, running in six unanswered tries in a shock loss that will leave the hosts battling for bronze later on Sunday.

Australia lost to Canada at the same stage of last weekend’s tournament in New Zealand and were unable to counter their physicality in the rematch as their title drought stretched beyond two years.

Captain Sharni Williams and Cassandra Staples were both shown yellow cards as the offensive weapons Ellia Green and Charlotte Caslick were both shut down expertly by the Canadians.