Paul John’s men, the reigning world champions, have been drawn in a particularly British feeling Pool D which also features England and Scotland.
Wales begin their quest for glory against Tonga on Friday, November 25, before facing Scotland and England on the same day.
Following the opening weekend in Australia the series moves on to Dubai and South Africa.
The Sevens circuit descends on New Zealand, USA, Hong Kong and Japan in the New Year before finishing with consecutive weekends at Twickenham and Murrayfield in May.
As defending World Series champions, New Zealand were automatically seeded first and placed top of Pool A for the opening round , while last season’s runners-up South Africa were seeded second and placed top of Pool B for the opening round of the series which kicks off on 25 November.
From the remaining teams in the top band of eight, Samoa and England were drawn into Pools C and D respectively. Fiji, hosts Australia, Argentina and Wales were then drawn into Pools A, B, C and D respectively.
“There are no easy groups in this series anymore,” explained John. “This group will be tough. We played both England and Scotland recently in the Spanish warm up tournament and had a very close game with both teams.
“England and Scotland had a few players missing, so that was not a true indication of what to expect.
“Both teams have strengthened their squads this year with England going full time. They are obviously conditioned very well and will be a major force on the circuit this year.
“Scotland have also contracted a squad this year and are now able to spend more time together in preparation for the circuit.
“Tonga are always capable of beating any side on their day – they are very physical and have some world class players – so this is a tough group.”
Round 1, HSBC Sevens World Series 2011/12 – Gold Coast, Australia
Pool A
New Zealand, Fiji, Kenya, Niue
Pool B
South Africa, Australia, USA, Japan
Pool C
Samoa, Argentina, France, PNG
Pool D
England, Wales, Scotland, Tonga
