The Blitzboks have 66 points to top the men's standings, while Australia's women have 56 to lead their competition.

Australia did not reach the women's final last time out in Malaga, as instead the United States beat Russia to claim the top honour.

American co-captain Alena Olsen is proud of what the team achieved there and hopes to replicate that in Seville.

"It feels good to have everything we’ve worked on in training come out on the field when it mattered and we couldn’t have asked for more," Olsen said.

Canada, England and series debutants Portugal join the US in Pool A.

Russia are paired with Ireland, Poland and Brazil in Pool B. 

Leaders Australia find themselves with Olympic silver medallists France, Spain and Belgium in Pool C.

Teams from New Zealand, Fiji and Samoa will again be absent because of the COVID-19 pandemic.   

South Africa's men, who edged past Argentina in the third-round final, will have a new leader in Impi Visser. 

Visser replaces regular captain Siviwe Soyizwapi, who will miss out through injury, as the Blitzboks chase a four win of the season and sixth leg victory in a row.

An elated Visser is looking forward to wearing the armband for the first time.

"To captain this side is a huge honour and privilege.

"A lot of the guys that have captained before me are legends of the game that have stood in this position, so for me it is a real honour, and we plan to enjoy this weekend," Visser said

South Africa will take on the US and Spain in three-team Pool A as Samoa were unable to make it.

In Pool B, Argentina will be up against Ireland, Germany, and Jamaica. 

England, France, Wales, and Japan are in Pool C while core series teams Australia, Canada, Scotland, and Kenya are placed in Pool D.

The three-day competition is set to conclude on Sunday (January 30).