After completing a clean sweep of their group games, the Aussies faced Ireland for the second time in the day and dominated their quarter-final 40-7 thanks to a Maddison Levi masterclass.

Maddison scored three first-half tries at Stade de France, making it 11 for the tournament, and breaking the record for most tries at one Olympic Games.

Their semi-final against Canada - who beat host nation France - will be played at midnight AEST on 31 July, and the winner will meet either USA or reigning Olympic champions New Zealand from the other semi-final.

“I just found out (about the record) and it’s pretty special but what would be even more special is winning a gold medal,” Maddison said after the quarter-final.

“It’s awesome out there, our team really vibes off the crowd and even if they are singing for the other team, any noise is good noise for us so just using it to our advantage and when times are a bit tough to get over the line.”

Australia won gold when Rugby Sevens made its Olympic debut in Rio, then finished fifth in Tokyo in 2021.

They were in irresistible form against Ireland with Faith Nathan crossing the line to give them a 26-0 lead at the break.

The Aussies continued on their way in the second half with tries to Isabella Nasser and Bienne Terita to cap a memorable night.

Coach Tim Walsh said his team “lived every moment” and executed under pressure which was enough to get the win.

“Every game gets a bit hotter but we’re trying to normalise it, whether it be in Madrid or Dubai, we’re playing at our best.

“Obviously out of all the tournaments you’d like to win this one but we’ve made sure we’ve come here without regret, be consistent and live in the moment.”

Walsh paid tribute to Maddison’s record-breaking feat but said it took a team effort to get that done.

“She is a remarkable athlete and there are many remarkable athletes in the team, and that’s what makes a great team, and there are other great teams,” Tim said.

“It does come across sometimes as the Maddi Levi show but I tell you what, it’s the girls in the middle, the Charlotte Caslick’s creating space, the power runners drawing in defenders, that makes Maddi’s job a little bit easier - but even if it is tough, she seems to find a way too so we are very lucky to have a team of champions.”

Earlier in the day, the Australian team confirmed that debutant Kaitlin Shave had suffered a knee injury and been replaced in the squad by Kahli Henwood for the remainder of the tournament.

Australia’s Men’s team finished fourth in Paris and Henry Hutchison said the players were getting behind the girls in their gold medal push.

“We train out of the same headquarters so we see them every day,” Henry said.

“They’re pretty amazing our Sevens girls. They’re an impressive unit and when you see them performing like that consistently on the world stage it really inspires younger girls to get out there and join whatever sport they want to do.

“I think you saw that in Rio when they won gold, I think that probably inspired a lot of the current group to get into Rugby.”

The gold medal match is set for 3.45am AEST on 31 July and the bronze medal game for 3am AEST on 31 July.

Reece Homfray