The British quartet came in fourth

The four, who were the only GB crew in action on Wednesday, were looking to improve on fifth place overall last year in Seville.

But Jo Nitsch, Tegwen Rooks, Sarah Birch and newcomer Jo Hammond failed to make the cut after coming fourth in the qualifying race.

Germany were quickest out of the blocks, followed by the British team, who were well in contention after the first 500 metres.

Then Australia, with two 2002 world champions on board, rowed the fastest split of the race to take the lead at the halfway mark.

The Australians crossed the line in 6:36.06, followed by Germany, Austria and Britain.

British coach Simon Cox summed up the crew's disappointment after the race.

"We were in the thick of things at 500m and battled all the way. It was just a shame we couldn't put a race like this together earlier," he said.