The loss against the Wallabies in Adelaide was the latest in a season of unexpected defeats and the form of the Springboks raises questions about Jacques Nienaber’s future as head coach.

The All Blacks arrived in South Africa for the Rugby Championship opener earlier this month on the back of a shock series defeat by Ireland, which included Ireland’s first two wins on New Zealand soil. Critics were calling for the resignation of head coach Ian Foster and Nienaber was asked for his thoughts on the situation.

Nienaber: Every coach is ‘two poor games away from being fired’

“As coaches and players, we know that when you represent your country there is always going to be pressure,” said Nienaber. “Especially countries that have a rich rugby tradition like South Africa and New Zealand. There’s always going to be pressure.

“If you are a coach or a player you are two poor games from being dropped, and you are two poor games away from being fired. That is the reality and one lives with that.”

The 25-17 reverse against Australia on Saturday marked South Africa’s third defeat in six Tests this season, including the first home loss against Wales and a historic loss at Ellis Park against an All Blacks team that has itself suffered record losses this season.

The Boks have now suffered two losses in quick succession and, based on an abysmal record of success against the Wallabies in Australia, are staring down the barrel of a three-match slump.

REWIND: Rassie banned from all rugby – with immediate effect

The world champions went down 28-26 in Gold Coast last September, kicking off a run of seven losses in 13 Test matches. Rassie Erasmus did not travel with the team to Australia last year for the four Tests in the Rugby Championship and his suspension – as a result of his infamous British & Irish Lions series video – has precluded him from stadium attendance since England edged the Boks at Twickenham in November.

With Erasmus absent on match day, the Boks have won four of 11 Tests for a 36% win rate. His suspension ends on 30 September, which is after the conclusion of the Rugby Championship. South Africa are currently in last place.

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