"It's knockout, it's really hard to plan, you can play any number of teams depending on how you go so we are preparing for all sorts," said women's sevens coach John Manenti said.

"It doesn't change that greatly expect that if you have an off day, it will be the end of the tournament," he said.

However, heading into the World Cup, Australia will be looking to return to their best after losing the last two Cup finals to New Zealand despite winning the Dubai and Sydney legs without losing a match.

The players in the squad have now been through a number of crucial and close matches since the 2013 World Cup, which has put them in a good position according to Alicia Quirk.

"That experience and playing under pressure in big moments really put you in good stead for those kinds of sudden death scenarios," she said.

"I think a lot of our squad members have experienced that now so everyone across the board will have confidence and will be ready to take each game as it comes," Quirk said. 

The Aussies could be boosted by the likely return of Quirk, Sharni Williams and Ellia Green while Emilee Cherry is also on track to shake off a hamstring issue picked up in the last tournament.

Green and Williams have not featured for Australia since the Commonwealth Games in April.

The squad is set to be announced on Friday with the team heading to San Fransico on Saturday.