A number of reasons no doubt. Mainly that the two brand new halves - better than we've had for many a year - are now settling in and have played a few games together. The rest of the team - some of them also new signings - have improved in the way they play around them. Sneyd got injured for a few games so the progress was definitely set back somewhat. Pryce was clearly playing injured for a couple of games during that period but was out there so that we at last had some experience there. In the last couple of games we also had a stronger pack with first Ellis and then Paea returning, Watts coming into form, and I also think Rich Whiting has brought something to the table off the bench. It wasn't long ago we were playing with three hookers because there were no other options.

Radford has made errors and continues to do so with the automatic selection of Yeaman who must be the weakest player in the first team in terms of performance currently. I also lost my rag with them all a few weeks back when I'd had enough of listening to the 'blokes not turning up' and 'out enthused' crap. There's no place for that rubbish in a pro environment and anyone using it as an excuse or reason in the club should be ashamed.

But mainly we've begun playing better because we've had our better players out there for longer in the creative and attacking positions. The test now is to see if it can continue if we remain injury free in the key areas and the key players.

The idea that somehow we wanted to play dour unattractive narrow-losing rugby until the fans pointed out an alternative could well be the funniest thing ever produced on that's saying something (and I know you haven't said that).

Didn't Radford admit himself in an interview that he's now asked the players to take the shackles off? Implying that he's been telling them otherwise, whatever the reason, its definitely an improvement

He's been talking about promoting the ball for a good while - not just recently.

That isn't what I said, but if you want to accept a coach whom criticises fans and his players at any opportunity rather than accept the fact, he the coach isn't up to much then knock yourself out. I've listened to his excuses and his accusations and the way he treats the players, that in itself tells me he isn't up to the job, the last 18 months performances seal that.

Yes, I'm happy we've improved these last couple of games, who wouldn't be, watching dire performances for 18months is enough to make you stop going and for some it was/has. I've given my nod to the results and these past two games the effort and performance (where we should be all along quite frankly) have been a world away from beforehand.
BUT I'm not so blind as some, there either an outside influence on how & why we've so rapidly changed what we were doing in attack or the coach has had an epiphany on the back of what fans have said
IF you want to believe Radford has made these miraculous changes overnight all by himself, more power to you.
As I said, we make the 8 and progress to make the 6 he stays, if we don't he goes. Because on the back of what our owner sacked the previous coach, Radford would be getting away with murder if he didn't achieve at least what Gentle did.

Who has been suggesting everything's changed because of fan pressure?

Radford.

Is he one of the voices in your head?

He said he'd have his tooth done as well because the fans are sick of him hiding behind it.

I thought it was the gap he was hiding behind? Quite a feat

Some people just like to make stuff up. Not a single person has suggested fan pressure has played any part whatsoever. It's laughable really.

The way I see it Radford has allowed/empowered the players to take a few more risks with the ball in recent weeks. It looks like the players have really bought into it and confidence is growing. Whatever the reason for this change I welcome it and think Radford deserves some credit for making the change.

Maybe they are playing to win now instead of playing not to lose

Bumpy mentioned it as a possibility.

Really?

I'm wondering that, too.