After the dismal run of early results in both the Guinness Premiership and the Heineken Cup, it was perhaps to be expected that most supporters would fall into one of two camps.

The doom-mongers had plenty of evidence for thinking there had been far more of a hangover from the events of the second half of last season and the summer than had perhaps naively been anticipated.

Long-term injuries to two key players added to the woes at The Rec and the much-heralded arrival of another Springbok international could only have been expected – at best – to soften the blow somewhat.

Real problems behind the scenes, whatever the precise nature and extent of them, were seen as a crisis of hitherto unrealised proportions.

However, the 'glass-half-full' brigade – of which I suppose I am more likely to see myself as a fully paid-up member – looked for any crumb of comfort to suggest that things, on the field at least, would inevitably improve with the return of some form and confidence on both an individual and collective level.

The appearance of Luke Watson, despite a rigorous Currie Cup campaign through the summer and early autumn, had an immediate and positive impact upon the team and, slowly but surely, signs of promise for the second half of the season began to emerge.

Personally, I witnessed several false dawns come and go, although undercurrents of better things to come were discernible, despite the occasional nasty hiccup like the unpalatable home loss to Irish in November.

The main catalyst for the upturn in fortunes in recent weeks has clearly been the return to action of Butch James – now sadly interrupted for hopefully no more than a couple of games by another shoulder injury.

It will be fascinating to see quite how much his recent involvement has contributed to the obvious increase in other's individual form and team confidence, and how far that can be maintained during a further absence for the influential fly-half.

However, after our recent wins I cannot be too despondent at his absence, despite the frustration for Butch and his admirers. A quiet yet effective return against Worcester for our other 'missing link', Olly Barkley, augers well for the imminent future alongside the welcome return to form of Nick Abendanon, seemingly buoyed by the resolution of his contractual allegiance.

Playing outside of Butch, Ryan Davis has begun to blossom in line with Steve Meehan's faith in his abilities, and Joe Maddock has recaptured his try-scoring appetite and deadly finishing with devastating effect since his return from injury at Leeds.

Heineken Cup qualification for next season now appears more realistic than at any time since this season's struggles became evident back in October.

A sustained run of victories and a little luck with other results, along with freedom from further major injuries, might even put a play-off finish within reach. Whatever the outcome, the last two months of this season really do seem to offer more cause for optimism than pessimism.

Renewed hope, tempered with a dose of realism, looks likely to keep my glass at least half-full. The prospect of Heineken Cup participation next season now looks far less remote than it did earlier in the snows of winter.