New Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus feels this weekend's Test against the All Blacks isn't just about snapping a losing streak.
His job is on the line too.
Erasmus, who took over the role from Allister Coetzee this year, admitted pressure is mounting after back-to-back Rugby Championship losses to the Wallabies and Pumas the past two weeks, making this Saturday's contest in Wellington more than just another Test.
"Probably just for me to survive it's very important [that we win]. But that's totally beside the point, for me to survive," Erasmus said.
"If we can beat the All Blacks here then everybody will think we have a realistic chance of winning the World Cup next year and if we do really well here people would say there's growth.
"But if we do really bad here then I will probably not be in the seat for the next couple of matches and somebody else will probably be there."
History isn't on Erasmus' side. The last time the Springboks beat the All Blacks on Kiwi soil was in 2009 with a 32-29 win in Hamilton.
To make matters worse, their most recent trip to New Zealand last year was a record 57-0 loss in Albany.
As a result, Erasmus says the six-year contract he recently signed doesn't make him invincible.
"If you follow South African rugby, the six-year contract means nothing if you're not performing. I think it's more a sense of our leadership saying listen here, think a little bit long-term don't just think crisis management, get through this week and get through the next week.
"I don't think like that. I know people will say 'you must think like that' but if you think like that then you never will build a squad that will be competitive. The only thing that six-year contract tells me is not to think about next week, think about the World Cup and the 2023 World Cup as well.
"My honest thing that I want to get right is I want to see growth and I want us to be contenders next year. That's what the whole discussion and what this whole championships is about. By doing that you're always going to upset supporters, board members and people. But that's besides the point, as long as this team is growing."
The All Blacks play the Springboks at Westpac Stadium at 7:30pm on Saturday.
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