WE copped a lot of criticism from the coach after our cup defeat to Rotherham.

Having watched the match on tape this week, it's clear, if it wasn't on the field, that most of the players under performed at Sixways.

Indeed, I would go as far as to say it was probably our worst display of the season in terms of our defensive performance and our discipline.

However, I don't subscribe to the view that we feel Rotherham are the better side in our division.

I know a lot of people, pundits and coaches say it but I don't think we take that much notice.

I cannot speak for all the squad, of course, but from my point of view I have no problem with self belief.

We have to accept that many people talk up Rotherham simply because of the Worcester factor.

Everyone outside of the city wants us to fail. We are viewed as the Hollywood club of the division and one which everyone loves to see lose.

When you hear the Otley coach suggesting that we are not as good as their Yorkshire neighbours, after we had just beaten them - you know sour grapes are in the air.

I'm not sure, though, that we take on board this mentality.

We accept we missed out on a chance to beat them on Saturday and secure a second win over them this season, but I think that just spurs us on.

If Rotherham think that we will play like that again, then great.

When we visit them in January I am sure we will be a different proposition.

Of course people wheel out the old cliches about concentrating on the league but it does mean we will have a week off to get some niggling injuries worked on.

Rotherham have a physically tough encounter at Saracens coming up while we will have some time to get some players, who have been carrying injuries, fully fit.

I came off on Saturday with a tight hamstring and that is a problem now which has been dogging me for a month or so.

The injury stems from a sore hip but I am hoping to be included in the team for Saturday.

We may look at more intensive treatment on the problem during the Christmas break but at the moment, it is not the time to miss games.

Rugby Lions visit Sixways at the weekend and it is a vital match for us not just for the result but also for the performance.

That's what was so disappointing about the Rotherham game - the performance. Results are obviously a direct consequence of how you play but you can sometimes get away with victories having not played particularly well.

Now we must turn things around not just with a win but with an impressive display.

Talk is cheap but we intend to show the supporters just how much belief we have in ourselves against Rugby.

What I hope to see is that belief emanating from the stands as well. As I've said before - we're all in this together.