With our current form, just wondered what peoples thoughts were on the team spirit with the camp at the moment?

I've noticed at a few of our matches this year, that there does generally seem to be less patting of each others backs, celebrating tries, picking each other up after a mistake, than in previous seasons.

A good example of this was after Seniors try on Friday. He scored the try, Coady was the only player who seemed to be celebrating/congratulating him. The rest simply walked over to the water carrier and plodded back to their kick off positions.

What does everyone else think?

Haven't you heard? the new try is the knock on. If you are looking for pats on backs, then look no further than that.

By the way, I prefer to judget the body languague and effort, for team spirit, rather than who can clap the fastest.

Didn't see lack of celebration when jjb scored, looked like we had just scored in the last minute to win the game. I think team spirit is okay from what I have seen , can't say that for performances but things will get better I am 100% confident in that

Good answer...

So rather than just trying to be smart, what's your opinion on team spirit, based on body language and effort of course....?

For what its worth, at the moment, my thoughts are we do look a little like a team of individuals, rather than a cohesive unit. Not saying there is a massive reason to panic, or sack anybody, or make major changes. Just wondered what peoples thoughts were. I've given mine, based on what I've seen, just looking for others opinions, not people trying to prove a point or make themselves look clever.

I honestly don't think there's a problem with our team spirit and it will only get stronger through the adversity the players are going through now.
As for the Senior try i just read the reaction to be one of a team determined to get back for a restart whilst listening to what the water carrier was saying.

To me it looks like a team that is trying but can't quite come up with the goods.

With all the in's and out's it would be hard to build any momentum any way but when that side is starting out of form it makes it many times harder.

For me the spirit is there. But one thing they can't seem to hide is their disappointment in their failings.

e.g. when we knock on another try scoring opportunity, or we make the wrong play etc.

That's how close they are getting yet it's not sticking.

And that will take it's toll.

So for me the spirit is not an issue but it's the confidence under which they are playing that has taken the biggest hit. And every knock on and mis-pass they play drains a little more away.

They need a boost that's for sure. Where will it come from???

Good points.

What I do see that I dont particularly like is petulance, we can sometimes look like a team full of spoilt brats.

When we're winning it's easy. But when we're not doing so well, the players tend to spit the dummy a bit, and start showing this petulance towards the ref, the opposition, and even each other.

I think we need a good comeback win, or even a good brawl early on in a game (plus a bit of biff always makes it more exciting to watch), something to lift spirits and get them all firing together.

He can be a real supercilious smart alec but is the first one to start crying if anyone respond in a like manner.

The petulance comes from as much as frustration and a desire to win as it does from being spoilt brats imo.
You are right though we do have players that like to "chelp" but it's happened year after year especially early season as has the conceding of many penalties.
Like i said though earlier i don't think there's any problem at all with effort and spirit just wait for the "player A hates player B"rumours because he brought cheese "n" onion to training when everyone else wanted prawn cocktail

I'm guessing you are probably right G1, I rarely post on here because of that sort of reply, just like to share opinions.

Anyway, back to topic, I have read the rumours regarding Smith, and if he were to come back, hopefully that could be a catalyst for improvements all round. Having an old mate back in the squad could be the lift we need. Plus I always had Smith (and Scruton) down as players who seemed to help the team gel as a unit/mates.

IF Smithy returns then what position will he play when Donald/Hall are fit?
Will he be here for the 10 weeks Donald is out injured or will he stay longer?
If he does will he languish in the Reserves until Delaney/Senior get injured?
Lastly how long will it take Smithy to get up to SL standard as far as fitness is concerned.
Sorry I appear to have merged 2 threads here . But I am responding to the previous poster.

Firstly, it's no rumour.

He's back this week on a 'permenant' deal (it's not a loan - though how long he stays we'll see)

The thing about Smith is he's very versatile so yes, he'll cover Donald for now and we'll have him to cover should anything happen to Webb/Senior/Delaney/Hall or Donald again.

Strength in depth!

Superb news.

If Smith plays on the wing until Donald returns, and plays well, then surely Donald would struggle to regain his place. However, Donald could return and Smith drop to fullback dependent on Webbs form. I can only see it being a positive.

I think it would also add another gamebreaker to our team, which again we seem to be lacking just now. Mcguire seemed to have to do a lot of work on Friday. When Peacock was off the pitch, it looked almost like Mcguire was taking the ball in every other tackle and not particularly getting the support of his teamates in a workload capacity.

Completely agree - Smith always struck me as one of those players that has the ability to pull something out of nothing (Like Mags) even if we're not creating much on that particular day.

Will be nice to welcome him back to proper rugby