The confidence that was on show in Thursday's 48-0 victory over Japan was nowhere to be seen, the side nervous in attack and hesitant in defence.

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Australia were made to pay for a poor start, trailing 14-0 before a try on the stroke of half-time cut the deficit to nine.

John Manenti's side had chances to cross early in the second, the team camped inside their opponent's half.

The Fijians were outstanding in defence, the team swarming on the Australian ball carriers.

Charlotte Caslick crossed with 30 seconds to go to give her side a chance, however they were unable to retrieve the kick off and earn one last shot at victory.

Instead, Fiji secured possession and closed out a famous victory over the defending Olympic champions.

The loss came after Australia fell to America in the final group game on Friday morning.

The side led 12-0 only to concede two late tries to fall to the USA, a defeat that put the team on a collision course with Fiji.

Australia's Olympic failure comes after a patchy five years since their Rio triumph.

There have been highs, including one World Series title, however there were also plenty of challenges.

New Zealand have been near unbeatable in that span, the Kiwis edging Australia in extra time in a thrilling Commonwealth Games final and having the measure of their rivals on almost every occasion.

Having finished second in Rio, they used the anguish as motivation on the path to Tokyo. Three World Series titles and and World Cup followed in the time since, as New Zealand dominated the women's game.

Only time will tell if Australia can rebound from this disappointment and go on a similar run throughout the next three years.