Ian Foster faces the biggest challenge of his time in charge this weekend, with the All Blacks staring down the barrel of an historic series loss to Ireland.
All Blacks head coach Ian Foster. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The knives are already out for the coach, who has won just one of his last four tests, and another loss in front of a sold out crowd in Wellington would provide plenty of fuel for those who want him axed before next year's World Cup.
Foster is under immense pressure, but he said it's nothing new.
"You certainly get used to it.
"When we don't win there's a lot of internal reflection. Then you get into gear and start really nailing the next week. That's where I'm at.
"I can't wait. It's a great examination for us and we've got to show that we're smart and that we're learning."
Since Foster took over he's had 16 wins, 6 losses and one draw. That gives him a winning ratio of under 70 percent, the worst of any All Blacks coach in the professional era.
The clamouring for the coach to be replaced has grown louder since last week's loss to Ireland in Dunedin and Foster knows anything less than a comprehensive victory in Wellington will do little to silence the critics.
"They're tough weeks after a loss. But, we've just got to keep believing in what we're doing.
"The first test showed that at 15 on 15 we've got some good answers at the moment and we've just got to get better at it."
Foster retains the support of his players and No.8 Ardie Savea said it stings to see the flak his coach has copped.
"It does hurt because we are family here. We've got each others' backs. People perceive what they see, but they don't know what goes on on the inside [of the All Blacks camp].
"I back my coach, back my skipper and back my players 100 percent."
Savea said the criticism has given the All Blacks extra motivation to win.
Ardie Savea. Photo: PhotoSport / Marty Melville
"Definitely. I love being written off. After a performance like that, we know what we need to do. We learnt from it. Now it's just about being excited and embracing the challenge."
The All Blacks have slumped to an all time low of fourth in the world rankings, but captain Sam Cane said they can't afford to be distracted as they prepare for the series decider.
"We've got enough on our hands digesting what happened last weekend and then focusing on this weekend's game to worry about things like world rankings.
"That sort of stuff takes care of itself when we're playing well. So, that's where all the energy is on."
Sam Cane. Photo: Photosport/Alan Lee
Cane believes the build-up for Saturday's test has mimicked that of a World Cup playoff, and he hopes the pressure will prove beneficial ahead of next year's tournament in France.
"The situation is not what we wanted. But, now we look at it and embrace it. It's a good challenge for us. It's do or die, it's just like World Cup stuff and I'm looking forward to it."
Ireland's victory in Dunedin lifted them to second in the world rankings and they can claim the top spot if they win the third test.
Coach Andy Farrell said while it's nice to be part of the first Irish team to win in New Zealand, that piece of history will count for little should they lose the series.
"The biggest feeling that I get is, yes, obviously pleased with the win. We're also pleased to keep the series alive and that we get another crack at it [winning Ireland's first series against the All Blacks] this weekend. The mood is one of look, we did ok, but we know we can do better."
The bookies are against the Irish but recent omens could be with them, they beat the Māori All Blacks on Tuesday in Wellington, at a ground where the All Blacks have won just one of their last five tests.
