The countdown to the second All Blacks v Springboks test is almost over and so too may be Ian Foster's tenure as coach.
With five losses in his last six tests, Foster's next and possibly final chance to save his job will come at what's widely considered the most hostile environment in world rugby - Ellis Park.
The finishing touches are being put on a ground considered the heartbeat of South African rugby. It is a sacred place for the Springboks - their fortress, the jewel in their crown.
A ground where opposing teams have long struggled to compete.
"It's a national treasure for South Africa," said Springboks centre Damien de Allende. "As players, we treasure it and I'm looking forward to it."
The All Blacks are unlikely to have similar levels of excitement.
"We understand what it means for South Africa to play at Ellis Park," said veteran lock Sam Whitelock.
That meaning was laid down by one of the greatest-ever Springboks. John Smit's autobiography described it as "hell on Earth".
Eighteen of the All Blacks 23 are about to experience it for the first time.
"When you're driving in, the fans are slapping on the bus and making plenty of noise," said captain Sam Cane. "It's a hostile environment."
The stands may be empty at the moment, but later this evening, they will be filled with 65,000 screaming Springboks fans. There is no more daunting assignment for the All Blacks than the world champions at Ellis Park.
"It's the moment you're driving in on the bus or you get in the vicinity," reflected All Blacks great Jeff Wilson. "The intensity goes up and you think, 'How is that possible?'"
In the 1995 World Cup final, Wilson was left vomiting on the sideline, after going down with food poisoning.
Despite that painful end, Wilson insists the All Blacks can overcome the Ellis Park factor.
"Once you get inside the lines, it's all just noise," he said. "If you allow them to get into your space by giving them the opportunities… you need to try and take the crowd out of the game."
For all of the ground's intimidation factor, the All Blacks have enjoyed recent success there, winning their previous two encounters, the last in 2015.
"You always want to go out there and put your best foot forward," said Whitelock. "Ideally, you want to come away with the win."
Unfortunately, for the All Blacks, this season has been anything but ideal and pulling off an upset at Ellis Park would be close to a miracle.
Even that is unlikely to save Foster's job. He was given the first five matches this year to prove to NZ Rugby that he was the best person to lead this team to next year's World Cup.
Foster has won just one of those test matches - against Ireland at Eden Park - so it seems unlikely that even victory at Ellis Park would be enough to spare him.
It is on the players, though. Ian Foster will not run out onto Ellis Park and won't wear jerseys 1-23, so it is over to the players now.
Foster has done all he can do - he has delivered the message during the week and helped them at training.
It is up to the players to try and turn it around the All Blacks fortunes, the All Blacks form and for Foster to hopefully save his job at one of the most hallowed grounds in world rugby.
