A 12-10 win over France ensured the women's side didn't go home empty handed.

Australia went undefeated though the pool stage undefeated but their run was halted by the Canada, who took a 34-0 victory in the semi-final.

Australia scored twice in the opening two minutes before holding off a late charge from their rivals to finish third.

Meanwhile coming off their best performance of the season after a bronze medal at Hamilton last week, the Australian men's team was forced to settle for sixth place in Sydney.

Leeton's Dylan Pietsch was part of the team who knocked out of the running for finals after being trashed 43-7 but the USA on Sunday.

Australia then fell 24-7 against New Zealand in the play-off for fifth place.

Coach Tim Walsh rued how his team failed to adapt to differing conditions and opponents on the second day of the tournament.

"We built a bit of momentum last week but it certainly highlights what you need to be to be a consistent, top team," Walsh said.

"That's being able to adapt to different conditions, the environment and adapt to different teams' styles.

"Not only do you have to bring attitude but you have to bring intelligence."

Across the weekend $40,500 was raised for the bushfire appeal from the teams' try-scoring efforts across the weekend.

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