'Hard done by': Drew Mitchell questions ref call that started rot for Australia in disastrous loss

Australia's women's sevens stars were well off their best during their heartbreaking semi-final loss to Canada, but can perhaps feel at least a little hard done by thanks to a crucial, questionable refereeing decision that went against them.

With Australia leading 12-7 early in the second half, Charlotte Caslick appeared to have made her way through the ruck legally and then made a disruptive tackle with Canada on the attack.

She came straight through the gate, only for referee George Selwood to blow a penalty against the Aussie star.

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That drew a fierce reply from Caslick, who let Selwood know her frustration.

"Please stop shouting at me," the referee said after explaining that the decision went "this way because you're off your feet and you're offside at the ruck".

That assessment wasn't shared by Nine's commentary team.

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"She's hard done by there," former Wallaby Drew Mitchell said.

"I don't understand what's wrong with that," was Sean Maloney's take.

Wallaroo Sera Naiqama was equally puzzled.

"I absolutely don't see it," she said.

"Charlotte did a brilliant job at coming through the gate. Her hands didn't even touch the ground, so you can understand the frustration."

Canada scored shortly after the penalty to edge into the lead.

It should also be noted Australia was well below the level they'd delivered in their first four games.

They'd benefited from some 50-50 calls in the first half and then, needing to score to regain the lead, twice knocked on late on to gift possession back to Canada.

Nor should it take anything away from a superb performance from the Canadians, who pulled off two upset wins in a row to make the gold medal match against New Zealand.