The Otago women’s side finished seventh last year, while the men were beaten by Wanganui in the semifinal of the plate competition.
Otago Women have drawn the defending champion Manawatu in pool play and will also have to play Waikato and North Harbour.But co-coach Mike Moeahu felt Otago was better prepared and had a stronger squad this season.
"I think we have a bit more depth available to us off the bench and the starting team has a bit more experience," Moeahu said.
"Some of them are going to their third nationals, so even though they are still young they are getting more experience.
"We are not going to say we are world-beaters but I think we are as prepared as we can be."
Captain Greer Muir is a pivotal player in the line-up and Angie Sisifa is another determined ball-runner. Renaye Flockton and Alena Saili bring plenty of speed, while Sam Hollows has wonderful endurance.
Georgia Mason and Mikayla Latta have recovered from knee injuries and have taken their spot in the squad.
Men’s coach Kane Jury felt Otago "underperformed" last year and he was expecting more from the class of 2017.
Otago’s goal is to get into the top eight and to do that it needs to finish in the top half of its pool. That will not be easy, with Wellington and Auckland expected to offer a stern challenge.
"It is a really tough pool. Auckland and Wellington have so much size, power and strength, so it is a pretty tough assignment ahead. And Horowhenua Kapiti are just getting better and better as well," Jury said.
That said, Jury is confident he has the personnel to get into the top eight.
"A big one for us is just looking after possession and to move teams around. We have to be patient and really smart on defence.
"I’m really happy with the squad that we’ve got and the balance that we have. We have some guys with that X-factor."
Brodie Hume has a "big engine" while Ben Tuiomanufili is a strong ball runner. Jonathan Ruru made his debut for New Zealand late last year and is a key player, while Leroy van Dam and Gavin Stark have the pace needed in outside backs.
"We started in early October and now we are just at the point where we want to get out there and show everyone our capabilities."
Counties Manukau won the men’s title last year but Jury felt Wellington and Waikato would also be hard to beat.
National sevens
Rotorua, today, tomorrow
Otago men’s draw
Auckland, 12.45pm, Wellington, 3.15pm, Horowhenua Kapiti, 5.35pm, playoffs, tomorrow
Otago men: Mitchell Scott (captain), Sam Aitken, Tala Fagasoaia, Ben Tuiomanufili, Mackenzie Haugh, Jerome Harimate, Brodie Hume, Ben Miller, Jonathan Ruru, Leroy van Dam, Liam Ward, Gavin Stark.
Otago women’s draw
Waikato, 12.05pm, Manawatu, 2.55pm, North Harbour, 5.55pm, playoffs, tomorrow
Otago women: Greer Muir (captain), Sonia Panapa, Biddy Sefton, Angie Sisifa, Michaela Baker, Soraya Umaga-Jensen, Sam Hollows, Renaye Flockton, Katie Brock, Alena Saili, Georgia Mason, Mikayla Latta.