Kenya Sevens team manager Steve Sewe targets improvement at the breakdown ahead of the third Challenger Series Sevens in Munich, Germany in May.
Shujaa won the opening leg in China in January but dropped to third in the second in Montevideo, Uruguay earlier this month.
Speaking Tuesday, Sewe said the team must adapt the interpretations of the breakdown by various referees in Munich.
"We struggled in the tackled area in Uruguay. Referees have different interpretations and it's an area where we must get better. Rugby, especially Sevens, is won in the breakdown,” observed Sewe.
Breakdown is the short period of open play immediately after a tackle and before and during the ensuing ruck.
Shujaa won four and lost two matches to sit joint-top of the standings with Uruguay on 36 points.
The top four teams after the Munich leg will qualify for the final tournament in Madrid, Spain, where they will meet the bottom four teams in the World Sevens Series.
Great Britain, Spain, Samoa and Canada are the lowly-ranked sides in the World Series with two tournaments, Hong Kong and Singapore, remaining.
"We are in a good position. After winning one tournament and finishing third in the second, I am confident we will qualify for Madrid and, eventually, get back to the World Seven Series,” said Sewe.
In Uruguay, Kenya beat Portugal 19-12 and Tonga 17-14 but lost 17-0 to Georgia. They edged Uganda 7-5 in the quarterfinals.
Shujaa lost 21-14 to Hong Kong China in the semis but bounced back to beat Chile 31-12 in the bronze medal match.
Meanwhile, Sewe has praised debutants Chrisant Ojwang, Lamech Ambetsa and Elvis Olukusi.
"The trio took their opportunities well which shows we have depth in our setup. The three were playing elite top-level rugby for the first time and passed with flying colours," he said.
Sewe hopes to have speedster Patrick Odongo back for the Munich leg.
Odongo suffered a cheekbone injury playing for Daystar Falcons in the KRU Championship, forcing him out for the past month.
“He is recovering well and we hope to have him back when we resume training next week," said Sewe.
