The All Blacks have fallen to their largest loss to South Africa in almost a century, and if that 26-10 defeat didn't hurt enough, coach Ian Foster then described it as the All Blacks "best performance of the year".
Foster conceded the Springboks were the better team in the first test at Nelspruit, saying, "they get the lollies tonight" although, at times, it looked like they were taking that candy from a baby.
Even before Handre Pollard took the final conversion to seal the Springboks historic win.. Ian Foster and his coaching group were already packing up and ready to leave.
The All Blacks set piece again looked disorganised and that cost them chances to attack, only scoring three points through 78 minutes of test match rugby, before claiming a consolation try at the death.
But Foster stands by his team's display.
"I think, in many ways, it's probably our best performance of the year," Foster told Sky Sports.
"I think there's enough there to show we're moving in the right direction."
With the All Blacks already down the world rankings, that direction looks very different to former NZ Rugby chief executive David Moffet.
"I'm not quite sure if we're on the same planet to be honest with you, because you just came off a record losing score against the 'Boks," Moffett told Newshub.
Foster's record doesn't make for pretty reading, and begs questions about Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in his contract.
"I'm not sure he has any KPI's because if he did have, surely a KPI would be if you lose five out of six or, if you don't win at the weekend, six out of seven, surely you can't keep your job," Moffett added.
Next weekend, Foster's on his way to Johannesburg with the series on the line.
"Pretty excited about the next challenge playing at Ellis Park and playing for a trophy," he said.
But even if the All Blacks get their hands on the trophy, Foster's hold on the job could still be tenuous.
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