Australian rugby sevens captain Sharni Williams is embracing a return to the side’s happy hunting ground in Sydney for this weekend’s competition.

While the tournament may’ve moved from Allianz to Spotless Stadium, Williams says the advantages of playing in their only home round of the season haven’t changed.

“You look at the highs of this, our home tournament, friends and family around watching,” she said.

“It’s a new location so it’s a little bit different, but just being acclimatised to this weather (helps) as well.”

Australia rollicked to the title in Sydney 12 months ago, outscoring opponents 213-0 across six games in an historic performance capped off by a 31-0 thumping of New Zealand in the final.

But the Black Ferns haven’t lost since then, pipping Australia in an extra-time Commonwealth Games final, winning the World Cup and the first two tournaments to start this world series.

Australia are fourth after two rounds but, with a smattering of fresh talent in the squad, see the Sydney Sevens as a chance to start again.

“There’s so many positives for us to take forward and we don’t need to look back,” she said of the last year.

“We just need to look forward and live in the now and go forward as a team.”

Australia will begin their tournament against Spain on Friday afternoon, followed by games against China and the United States later in the evening.

Australia’s men, who are sixth after three world series legs, play pool games against Argentina, Tonga and South Africa on Saturday.