The Blitzboks are full of confidence after their extra-time victory over Olympic and defending Series champions Fiji in Los Angeles, and now stand just four points behind the All Blacks, with 22 points on offer for the winner of each Series leg.

Speaking during a visit involving all 16 teams to Ronald McDonald House, a centre for children undergoing treatment for serious medical conditions, South Africa captain Stedman Gans told World Rugby he loves playing in Vancouver

“We are looking forward to the Vancouver atmosphere, it’s a great stadium, I love playing here, it’s going to be electric under the roof and I can’t wait," Gans said.

Canada captain Nate Hirayama added: “We are extremely excited, obviously this is always a big week for us and for Canadian rugby so the vibes and the nerves are already kicking in.

“We’re looking forward to it and it’s going to be another fantastic year for the Canada Sevens. It is amazing to play in front of the BC Place crowd with its incredible energy.

“Growing up we never thought anything like this could happen.”

South Africa have been drawn in Pool A alongside England, Argentina and the invitational team Japan, with the two-day competition starting tomorrow in front of what is expected to be close to a full house at the 40,000-capacity BC Place.

Pool B sees Fiji drawn with France, hosts Canada and Wales, who are currently occupying the relegation position and will be looking to pick up more points in the second half of the series.

New Zealand, meanwhile, are drawn in Pool C and will face Ireland, Spain and Kenya, while Pool D consists of Australia, the United States, Samoa and Scotland.

Play will be split across two days, with all pool games taking place tomorrow before the knockout competition begins on Sunday.

New Zealand are top of the standings on 93 points, with South Africa only four behind. 

A South Africa triumph in Vancouver would see them leapfrog the All Blacks, should New Zealand not finish second. 

Fiji are a distant third on 72 points.