The Manusina are among 12 teams competing for two permanent berths on the global circuit, alongside the likes of New Zealand, Australia and Fiji.
Team manager Toleafoa Mara Hunter says they've played in Australia, Malaysia and Hong Kong over the past 12 months but have struggled for matches against top quality opposition.
Pool play gets underway tonight and Hunter says fortunately they have a working knowledge of their opponents - Wales, Japan and Brazil.
