Eight of the 12-strong squad played in the Lois Muir Challenge champion side and Otago shapes as the side to beat.
"We're quietly confident, I guess," coach Helen Bryant said.
"We've got a very talented bunch and if they can pull it together on the day we'll see what they can do."
The side includes former Silver Ferns shooter and Steel bench player Jessica Tuki and 2007 Rebels midcourter Emily Close.
Preparations, though, have not gone to plan.
"It's been a bit disjointed with exams and varsity holidays. But we're all here now and we're ready to go," Bryant said.
Otago opens its campaign against Bay of Plenty, in a tough pool which includes Canterbury, Waikato and Auckland Waitakere.
"Those three teams are all going to be tough, Canterbury in particular," Bryant said.
Canterbury won the title last year and has a good side with Tactix shooter Ellen Halpenny and former Canterbury Flames player Erin McDuff.
Otago has two sides at the championships, with an under-19 team also competing.
