The Brazilian duo, who are the favourites for women’s Olympic gold, are one of the headline names who are due to compete in the tournament, part of the FIVB Major Series.

American duo Kerri Walsh-Jennings, a three-time Olympic champion, and partner April Ross are one of the notable absentees as they have opted to take the weekend off having participated in eight out of the previous 11 events.

Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst of Germany, who are currently are tied at the top of the FIVB Major Series rankings along with Antunes and Franca, will also head to Porec hoping to lay down a marker ahead of this year’s Olympic Games.

Both teams have each compiled 2,440 points for the four events on the calendar so far.

In the men’s competition, Alexander Brouwer and Robert Meeuwsen of The Netherlands are back to defend their crown but are set to face stern competition if they are to top the podium for the second year in the row.

The Dutch pair are the second seeds for the Olympic competition, which is due to be held on the iconic Copacabana Beach from August 6 to 18.

Reigning FIVB world champions Alison Cerutti and Bruno Oscar Schmidt of Brazil, who will be the top seeds at Rio 2016, are also set to be in action, along with Americans Jake Gibb and Casey Patterson.

None of the top four-ranked teams have captured a gold medal this season, with the Porec Major offering a perfect opportunity to signal their intention with the Olympics looming large on the horizon.

The tournament gets underway with two rounds of qualification tomorrow, with the final day scheduled for Sunday (July 3).