The Blitzbokke arrive in the British Columbia city on 98 points overall, which sees them top the table, while Australia and Argentina follow close behind on 83 points apiece.

Neil Powell's side were stunned in Singapore earlier this month as their 36-game winning streak came to an end at the hands of the United States in the pool stage before being knocked out in the quarter-finals by Fiji.

The South Africans have been drawn into Pool C with Australia, Spain and the hosts Canada at the event which is set to take place tomorrow and Sunday (April 17).

Fiji were in sensational form in Singapore, beating New Zealand 28-17 in the final, after missing the previous two stops due to COVID-19.

They will face the US, Kenya and England in Pool A while New Zealand will be looking to repeat their gold medal success from the last time they competed in Vancouver in March 2020 as they take on Samoa, Wales and Japan in Pool B.

Ireland impressed in Singapore on their way to finishing fourth.

They have the chance to go further this weekend but will have to get past Argentina, France and Scotland in Pool D.

"Coming home is always huge for us, it is the date that we have highlighted in our calendars and all the boys are really excited to play in front of a home crowd," said Canada captain Phil Berna.

"We need their support and it helps so much, the energy of the crowd pumps the boys up and you get that extra energy, speed and fitness so hopefully the fans bring their enthusiasm and noise again."

All of the pool matches are scheduled to take place tomorrow before the knockout rounds on Sunday (April 17), where the winner is set to be crowned.