The Black Ferns Sevens currently lead the standings on 76 points, 10 clear of nearest challengers Australia.

But their chances of success at the competition in Langford, due to start tomorrow at the Westhills Stadium, could be hindered by the absence of a number of key players.

Captain Sarah Goss and playmaker Portia Woodman will be missing, as will Kelly Brazier and Renee Wickliffe, due to their commitments to the full 15s squad.

Tyla Nathan-Wong will take over the captaincy and Niall Williams believes the players who will step in are more than capable of helping deliver the Canada Sevens trophy.

"You can choose to see it as a loss and, for sure, those players are world class in their positions, but it’s actually great for us,” said Williams. 

“It brings in girls from our wider squad and gives them the opportunity to show what they can do. 

"It’s fantastic to see them come in and I know they will put their best foot forward and make the most of their chance.

“We have great trust in everyone who is in the squad. 

"So yes, we’re missing a few players but we believe in the girls coming in, like Jess (Drummond) and Crystal (Mayes) to perform to a high level. 

"We’ll be telling the younger ones ‘be yourself – don’t try to be another Portia Woodman or another Sarah Goss’. 

"They need to set their own course. 

"But also it’s up to the more experienced players in the squad like me to step up and take more responsibility, and that’s exciting.”

New Zealand have been drawn in Pool A, along with England, The Netherlands and the United States.

Hosts Canada, who occupy third place on the standings with 64 points, will go up against Russia, France, Brazil in Pool B.

Pool C is comprised of Australia, Fiji, Ireland and Spain.