Two of Ian Foster's former charges have gone into bat for the embattled All Blacks coach, whose position is under scrutiny, after this month's series defeat to Ireland.
Keven Mealamu is preparing for the biggest fight of his life, about to take on former NZ Warriors star Wairangi Koopu at Fight for Life.
Coincidentally, that battle comes at a time when one of his former coaches has a massive fight on his hands.
"I know it's been a tough few days for the team, the players and management," the former All Blacks hooker told Newshub.
Pressure continues to pile up on Foster, whose All Blacks future is still unknown following the historic series defeat.
"There's things that have got to change," Mealamu added. "The players and management will know this."
Mealamu isn't the only one of Foster's former cavalry who are adamant the underfire mentor can turn an underwhelming team around. Liam Messam played under Foster with both the Chiefs and All Blacks.
"He'll be doing his best, working hard to make sure they can get it right," said the former loose forward. "He's a good man, a great man.
"I know the boys are backing him."
Foster's role for the upcoming tour of South Africa is still murky, however the muddy waters could become clearer in the next day or so.
Should it emerge though that he's gone, one man who you can cross off the list as a replacement is soon-to-be former Director-General of Health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield.
"Even though I am finishing at the end of next week, I will not be in the running for the All Blacks coaching job," he said.
So, no Dr Bloomfield to lead the team on a trip to the Republic which some believe has the chance to galvanise the team.
"It's going to be a great test for them," Messam added. "And probably the right time and the right place for this to happen."
"We always see All Blacks sides bounce back," said Mealamu. "When an All Blacks side's like that, that's when they're most dangerous."
The All Blacks could soon get off the mat, but who's in their corner remains to be seen.
