Smells like Team Spirit

As the World Cup has drawn to a close, performance levels across the Northern Hemisphere sides has been varied to say the least. The on-field showings have been a disappointment, but with the time spent together pre-tournament and the coaching set ups covering every minor facet of the game, it's unlikely that the coaching is solely to blame for poor performances.

However there is one intangible that cannot be coached. It's something totally organic but is vital for a successful side. Team Spirit.

‍Scotland, Japan, Argentina, Georgia, they've all, by their own standards, had incredible World Cups, and the togetherness of their sides has shone through for all of them. This also carried over to the stands, and their supporters were some of the most vocal, colourful and passionate at the tournament, regardless of whether the games were at Sandy Park or The Olympic Stadium.

The fallout from England's exit was talk of rifts in the squad, fall outs with coaches, ex professionals slating selections and tactics, talk of players being unready and unfit for the tournament, basically, their world seemed to implode on to them, whereas Japan, Argentina, Scotland, Georgia et al have all emerged as national heroes and world stars.

The very obvious camaraderie between the players transfers itself to the media and the fans and lifts everyone, (to steal the Twitter hashtag for Scotland) #AsOne. As I said at the start, it's something uncoachable, but there are ways of keeping the positive spirit going and encouraging the 'trench mentality' of players willing to go the extra mile for their team and most importantly, their teammates.

- Pick a core squad and stick with it. Injuries will always be a factor to this, but a central group of 25-30 players who are used to each other, experience highs and lows together, it creates a bond that no amount of coaching can replicate.

- Trust the youngsters! In any job, if you are given an apprentice with the skillset and tenacity to be good at that job, you take them under your wing and you teach them, protect them and push them to improve constantly. They can bring out the best in those around you and elevate their own performances. This is more than youthful exuberance, it's almost a 'rites of passage'. Look at the Springbok locks. Etzebeth and De Jager are monsters. They've trained with and learnt from the likes of Matfield and Botha and when the big games came, ousted them and were instrumental in dragging the Boks from a loss to Japan to a close Semi-final loss to the All Blacks.

- Allow flair and personality!. All the great players in any team sport have some kind of personality or flair to their play that stands them apart. It's that ability to break the norm that can drag a side through a close game to emerge victorious. When you see sides celebrate a try, how much more excitement is there when the try is scored from a Shane Williams style sidestep, a Carlos Spencer through the legs pass, or an outrageous dummy? These moments are generally a play through instinct and allowing players the fluidity in a game plan to try such things makes them braver and gives them confidence new things without fear of castigation. That 15 man bundle after one of these tries from individual brilliance is another example of building team togetherness. If you keep a rigid game plan with no room for flair, you get teams which often feel like they're going through the motions.

‍- Courageous leadership. Japan's win over South Africa will go down as one of the great games of all time and one of the great endings, and it all came from Michael Leitch's decision to go for the win rather than a kick to earn a draw, this revitalised the Japanese and they were absolutely determined to push on for a win, it was hailed in commentary as a brave decision and it earned Japan the biggest world cup shock of all time. England's Chris Robshaw went for the same thing, failed and was criticised for his decision by media, fans and pretty much everyone in-between. The ultimate downside was later in the tournament when someone realised that the draw would have taken England through to the Quarter finals. But, you have to allow sides to want to win matches, without fear of recrimination. Leadership needs to allow the side to flourish, if you are always looking to give your team the win, they will strive to repay you. It's the difference between 100% and 110%.

‍Socialise together. When they've been on down days, several of the World Cup finals teams have been out visiting schools but also they have been spotted swimming in the cold sea together, going to Alton Towers or eating Nando's out of chicken. These are all things that increase the bonds. Live together, work together, play together.

Most of the above will be applicable to any rugby team, whether it's a top international side, or your local Sunday morning side, and this team bonding will improve performances when paired with effective training. Give it a try. You'll reap the rewards.