'Sorry': Australia upset by France as Dupont stars

World series leaders Australia have been stunned by France in the women's semi-finals of the Vancouver Sevens on Monday (AEDT).

Superstar Maddison Levi gave Australia hope with her second try just before fulltime but Dom du Toit missed the conversion.

It meant France held on for a 21-19 victory as a heartbroken du Toit said "sorry" to her teammates.

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Dom du Toit after missing the final conversion.

France will play New Zealand in Monday's final (11.43am AEDT) while Australia finished fourth after losing 19-14 to Canada in the third place playoff.

"We belong in the final and we'll do everything we can to win the final," France's Chloe Pelle said on Stan Sport.

"They're really good, we're really good so I'm pretty sure it's going to be a a beautiful final."

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Antoine Dupont of France following victory at Stade de France.

Meanwhile, the outstanding Antoine Dupont has taken the first steps in his bid to help France win the sevens at the Paris Olympics.

The 27-year-old is widely considered the world's best rugby player and tore up Vancouver in his first sevens tournament.

He is a former world player of the year, a three time Six Nations player of the year and was one of the stars at last year's Rugby World Cup in France despite needing surgery for a facial fracture.

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Dupont came off the bench throughout in Vancouver and nearly inspired France to a comeback win over NZ in the men's semis.

He scored his first sevens try against Australia in pool play.

"Can he make the switch? I think he's answered that… the strength of the man, unbelievable," Karl Te Nana said on Stan.

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"His first weekend of rugby sevens, he looks completely at home," Rupert Cox added.

But NZ hung on for a 28-26 win in the semis and will take on world series leaders Argentina in Monday's final (12.23pm AEDT).

Argentina beat the United States 35-19 in the semis.

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Australia's men finished a disappointing 10th, losing 24-7 to South Africa in their final playoff match.

Michael Hooper is in Vancouver but did not play.

The former Wallabies captain is recovering from injury and said he was a slim chance of featuring next weekend in Los Angeles.

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