Australia’s rugby sevens women have been left devastated after their chance for a bronze in Paris was snatched in the dying seconds of their play-off against the US.

American Alex Sedrick brushed a tackle and raced 85 metres on the buzzer to clinch the medal for the US in the crushing 14-12 defeat.

It was a second shock loss in less than three hours for the Australians who had strong medal hopes.

The women were rocked 21-12 in a semi-final defeat to Canada when they had led 12-0.

Tears flowed on the field at the gut-wrenching reality of a second Olympic campaign with no medal.

Maddison Levi scores Australia’s second try in the bronze medal match against the US. Photo: Getty

Australian captain Charlotte Caslick said the team was terribly disappointed.

“It sucks but we gave it everything. We played our hearts out and I think that’s the beauty of Sevens and sport, that’s why we play it,” Caslick said.

“It’s a game of moments and there’s a couple of things we’d like to take back but we can’t.

“The first game we played Canada back into the game. To their credit they fought to the end and the USA did the same.

“We more than anyone wanted to come home with a medal. To have this feeling we’re disappointed.”

Later on social media Caslick posted “We’re sorry” with a teary eyed emoji.

It’s a second straight Olympics without a medal for the Rio champions, who had won the world series less than two months ago and romped into the final four at Stade de France.

In stifling heat in Paris, the side appeared to have done enough to at least snatch bronze for their efforts.

Maddison Levi’s second try, extending her Olympic record to 14 for the tournament, gave Australia a 12-7 lead inside the final minute.

They looked set to defend the lead before Sedrick brushed out of a tackle and sprinted away, before converting her try to spark wild scenes.

Earlier, Australia had butchered a try when Bella Nasser’s pass to Sariah Paki went astray, their usually potent offence evaporating in the afternoon heat.

New Zealand then rubbed salt into the wound, coming from 12-7 down to win the gold medal game 19-12 and defend their title.

New Zealand celebrate gold against Canada. Photo: Getty

-with AAP