(iRB.COM) Sunday August 22, 2010
By Francesca Waite
From Surrey Sports Park
Ringgenberg scored two tries in a personal haul of 26 points against the Asian champions, but despite the seven-try performance and collection of what could be a vital try-scoring bonus point in the race for the semi finals, the fly half knows there is always room for improvement.
"We did some things we haven't done in the past, we put some numbers on the board and that was a confidence builder for us," explained Ringgenberg, the leading point scorer in the tournament after matchday one.
"Looking back at the tape I think there are some things we have to clean up and we did that at practice today.
"There was some worry [at half time against Kazakhstan]. We needed to attack a lot more than we were doing and we came out pretty flat. The penalty count kind of got up on our heels a little bit so in the second half we were able to get the momentum again and really pull forward.
Ireland a step up
"I realise there is still a lot of hard work to do in the next couple of games. It's going to be very different for me and I'm going to have to switch my thinking into setting up my teammates a little bit more."
The 27-year-old knows that Ireland will be a different prospect to Kazakhstan, particularly after the disappointment of losing 27-0 to hosts England despite playing some good rugby and defending resolutely at Surrey Sports Park.
"Ireland played a very physical game against England and I think they will come out against us again with that same strength and so we've really got to step it up a level to compete with them in the next game," admitted Ringgenberg.
"I think we have to be a lot more physical. Our tackling was a little bit suspect in the Kazakhstan game so I think we need to be a little bit more physically courageous against Ireland.
"They are very good at the breakdown and they handle the breakdown very, very well and I think we have got to be prepared to defensively handle them around the breakdown.
Stars and stripes
"I think if we are going to succeed against them we are going to have to tackle a little bit more through the centres as well as opening up our wings a little bit more, giving them more space."
Ringgenberg, who plays for the Minnesota Valkyries back home, is also hoping to see the Stars and Stripes out in force in the crowd again to counter the green army of Ireland, although perhaps wrapped up a little warmer than the bikinis they donned on day one.
"I was surprised at how many fans came over to support us this time around. I hope some of the fans put warmer clothing on but they looked like they had a lot of fun! Whatever it takes to have fun. American sports fans are hardcore and I'm glad they are hardcore for our team right now.
"It's a huge boost just to know that our country is behind us and that a whole entire club team came over to see us play, that is the commitment that we have, that the rugby community in the States has, so it's really inspiring to see that they came out here."
Link to the IRB.COM article here
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