Australia will play Canada in the women’s Sydney Sevens rugby semi-finals after surviving a physical test to beat France 14-10.

Canada, who beat Australia in last week’s semi-final in New Zealand, earnt their spot in the final four with a 21-7 win over the United States earlier in the day.

Australia, undefeated after two lop-sided Saturday games, led France 14-0 in their quarter-final at Bankwest Stadium on Sunday morning before a fortunate bounce from a desperate clearance kick gifted the French a try.

France then scored from the restart, Seraphine Okemba streaking clear after collecting the loose ball after another awkward bounce.

France had outmuscled Australia to win their bronze medal clash in New Zealand last week, but there was no repeat in Parramatta as the hosts held firm in the final three minutes.

Ellia Green and Emma Tonegato were the try scorers for the hosts while Emilee Cherry, in her second tournament back since the birth of her daughter, sealed victory with an intercept to cut short the final French effort.

“Last week the French really had it over us physically,” Cherry said.

“Canada are going to be the same around the ruck and we need to work more to recycle the ball and give the likes of Charlotte (Caslick) a bit more room to move.”

Australia will defend their Rio Olympic gold medal in Tokyo later this year but haven’t won a world series leg since the Sydney tournament two years ago.