Outstanding Alphonsi ready for next challenge

Maggie Alphonsi is used to being in the spotlight. The England flanker is one of the best known faces in women's rugby in the country hosting this year's World Cup and she has always justified her elevation as one of the game's star players by her efforts on the pitch.

The opening game of this World Cup on Friday was no exception as the backrower put in a stunning performance - making a phenomenal 21 tackles in the game and rounding off with a try that ensured that England secured a crucial bonus point.In the wake of the 27-0 win over Ireland she says she was able to relax and enjoy the match despite the pressure of being the home team.

"It was tough first game but it was enjoyable. We know that we have got things to work on and things to improve on from our first game and our next job is just to go into that Kazakhstan game and get a win and bonus point. We play Ireland every 6 Nations and they know us inside out and we know them inside out. We weren't going into it lightly, we knew it would be tough and in that sense the match lived up to expectations."

Alphonsi was in inpsirng form with a number of superb runs - one burst through the middle almost taking her on to the line after a 50-yard dash - and of course her crunching tackes, the number of which even she was surprised by.

"That's one of my personal bests," she said laughing after the match when she was told of her 21-tackle tally.

"I really enjoy tackling and yeah personally I really enjoyed that game but it was a team effort. All of us worked hard and there are a lot of people you could pull out and say they had a really good game but yes on a personal level I'm really happy and we have got a lot to look forward to."Aphonsi's try with just two minutes on the clock could be vital for her team, who know well that despite being favourites to top their pool and go through to the semis, those final four places are seeded by the number of points the qualifying teams finish with.

"Well we were aware of the scores of the previous games and we knew that there were bonus points scored in many other games so for us to get one was key. We knew we had to get it and very luckily I was able to get on the end of a ball and get a try, We came to the game, we got the win, got the bonus point and that's what we set out to do and now we must do it all over again in our next match."

England will face Kazakhstan next with Gary Street likely to make changes to his line-up against a team they should beat with plenty to spare.

"We know Kazakhstan are a physical side but it can be hard when you don't know a team that well, you don't know what they are going to be like or produce. We will just have to focus on ourselves and not them and go out there and do our own thing."

Despite the first round win, she adds that there is a lot for England to work on.

"There are a variety of things really. The breakdown is obviously a key area because I think it's an area we gave a few penalties away so we do need to improve on that. We are a team also who like to play rugby and in that game not everything came off for us but we are not going to worry or put ourselves under pressure.

" I don't think we should forget that Ireland played awesome, they were great opponents and I hope it was a good game to watch. We have to look at every team in this competition as a threat and for us now its about Kazakhstan and then the USA."