England won the last round of the series, upsetting their hosts South Africa in Cape Town, with New Zealand claiming the bronze. 

Despite finishing second on home soil last time out, the South Africans still lead the overall standings on 41 points from the opening two events but had their advantage cut by the English.

England lie in second place on 39 while Fiji, the Rio 2016 Olympic champion, complete the top three on 32.

Australia, who host the next round of the series in Sydney, are hoping to improve on a disappointing finish in Cape Town where the failed to advance from their group.

However, they have been drawn in a tough pool alongside South Africa, Fiji and Japan in Pool B.

"We had two weeks off but continued our own training programmes," said Australian captain Sam Myers.

"We've had a few new boys come into the squad so it's been refreshing.

"We came fifth in Dubai and 12th in Cape Town and so I think the key to sevens is consistency.

"We've focused on improvement and I think we're coming into this weekend quietly confident."

England have been drawn in Pool A alongside Kenya, Argentina and Papua New Guinea.

Pool C consists of New Zealand, the United States, France and Samoa.

Scotland, Wales, Russia and Canada complete the line up in Pool D.

Scotland's Mark Robertson is set to make his 50th tournament appearance in Wellington.

Robertson, a member of the Great Britain team that reached the Rio 2016 final, made his series debut in 2012 and has played in over 200 matches since then.

Action begins tomorrow at the Westpac Stadium at 11am local time with Wales against Russia.

The third round is then set to conclude with the final at 8:30pm on Sunday (January 29).