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Just after I finished my last blog the whole squad got together for a clear the air meeting. It is up to the 30 players and management to sort it out because this weekend really is ‘must win’ time against Samoa.

It was a necessary meeting and you can imagine the anger and hurt we were feeling – especially after we had trained so hard. It was an open forum to express our views which is better than some sort of whispering campaign, and really allowed us to clear the air.

South Africa must not be seen as a fatal hammer blow. We are well aware that we are playing below our potential. We can not eradicate the pain but what we can do is turn it into a motivating factor. One thing that came out of it was a need to simplify the game plan. The desire to do well is still there and the team spirit is still good, despite our disappointing start.

The training has gone well. In fact I have got a couple of names to share with you. Peter Richards has been nicknamed ‘Apple’ (the same name as Gwyneth Paltrow’s baby). The reason is that in training he keeps turning the ball over so Apple Turnover has been shortened to Apple!

The other name is for Nick Easter. Easter told me in confidence (sorry!) that he calls HIMSELF ‘The Dominator’. Can you believe that he actually looks in the mirror and in all seriousness calls himself The Dominator? Obviously I could not keep quiet about that one and all the lads know. Not only does it make him sound like an arse but it is even too cheesy a name to be used for a Hollywood film.

A few of the boys went off to the Palace of Versailles this week, but I must say I am no culture vulture. I stayed behind with a few of the boys – including The Dominator – to watch a film.

I am disappointed not to be starting the game this time but this is a good squad environment. You have to take the rough with the smooth, and if I get the chance to come off the bench I am looking forward to helping England achieve the victory we must have.