The air surrounding a group can tell you a lot about the emotions and relationships in the room.
When people are getting along, the atmosphere seems fluid and conversation flows effortlessly. When friction exists between people, the air feels thick and heavy.
From what we are hearing about the Manu Samoa rugby team, a knife wouldn't even make a dent in the atmosphere between players and administrators of this team in turmoil.
We are all waiting now to see whether the Manu Samoa players will turn up at Twickenham to play England.
Even if they do, who knows how they'll play considering all that has gone on.
There have been threats and counter threats, and politicians, past players, players' associations, and international bodies have added even more spice to the already volatile mix.
There are many reasons this dispute has come to a head. The players are adamant they tried to sort out their differences in-house, but to no avail.
The tension has been building since the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and with an All Blacks test in Samoa, the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and the Olympics on the horizon, the stakes are even higher.
Like many arguments, both sides feel they're justified in their actions and responses.
In a letter to the IRB, players from the Manu Samoa team apparently raised concerns about the lack of financial transparency, differences in expectations with regards to what players have to pay for, coaches being denied free rein on selection and the squad announcement being placed on social media websites before players were notified.
Considering the professional rugby environment many of these players now play in, it is no surprise that their expectations are different from those of the financially struggling and predominantly amateur rugby union.
But there must be more to it than that. The angry and hostile response of the chairman of the Samoan Rugby Union, who also happens to be the Prime Minister of Samoa, Tuilaepa Sailele, suggests that there is a huge void between the two parties that is not easily closed.
Calling the players childish, spoilt, money-grabbers and trouble-makers, and implying they're not ''real'' Samoans because they don't know the language, is not a good start to the negotiating process. And not turning up to the negotiating table is even less effective in moving forward.
Good on the players for taking a stand. Yes, those who are brave enough to stand up may be the ones who are near retirement and based overseas.
It is easier to speak up at the end of your career than at the start, and when further away from those who may bully you. The issues raised are still valid.
This player action is evidence that collectivism is not dead - it just takes a bit longer to revive.
Rugby players are quite conservative at the best of times, so it is great to see that when pushed enough, they can think beyond their individual needs and unite and fight for what they believe in - the future health of Samoan rugby - which I truly believe is at the core of their concerns.
The protest is about more than money. It is a stand against corruption, bullying and concealment.
It is sending a message loud and clear to all the movers and shakers in the IRB and in the SRU that enough is enough.
Should they just shut up and ''play'' like good little boys as Sailele suggests?
Perhaps if things were functioning effectively off the field, the players wouldn't mind having to sacrifice a big pay packet, but when things are as dysfunctional as they appear to be, sometimes airing your dirty laundry is the only way to get a reaction.
As the words from the Siva Tau suggest, ''Le Manu Samoa e ua malo ona fai o le faiva'' - The Manu Samoa, may you succeed in your mission, both on and off the field.
