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The worst Wallabies losing streak in the professional era stands at seven, and Michael Cheika is on six.
Eddie Jones holds the unwanted record, with three losses to the Springboks, two to the All Blacks, and one each to France and England, in 2005.
Jones followed with a win over Ireland, another loss to Wales, and was then gone, with John Connolly taking over.
Cheika won’t be gone with another loss for two reasons – he’s the best man for the job, and there’s no replacement in sight.
But seven losses on the trot won’t sit well with a man who is used to winning.
Which means even an ugly win over the Boks tomorrow night at Suncorp – which would sure beat a loss – should kickstart the rejigging process.
One pattern of play that will be closely watched will be how Nigel Owens treats captain Stephen Moore, and how often Moore offends the referee.
Turn the clock back to George Gregan as the first Wallaby captain to bombard referees with constant questioning. He led the side 59 times between 2001 and 2007.
Gregan cost his side, as well as his own form, as he constantly chipped the whistleblowers.
The captaincy replacements who played with him – Nathan Sharpe (ten Tests), Stirling Mortlock (29), and Rocky Elsom (24) were a lot more restrained.
James Horwill (16), Will Genia (5), David Pocock (5), Ben Mowen (6), and Michael Hooper (13) were also restrained, but Moore hasn’t been, and has seemingly worked in tandem with Nick Phipps – who has never been captain.
Moore must also dramatically improve his lineout feeding, and the same applies to bench hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau. The scrum must improve as well.
On the plus side, halfback Will Genia is just about back to his best, and his long-standing combination with Queensland pivot Quade Cooper should reap rich rewards.
It’s time for Cooper to use his x-factor and cut holes in the South African defence.
Then it’s up to Bernard Foley, playing out of position at inside centre, to capitalise and set up outside backs Samu Kerevi, Reece Hodge and Dane Haylett-Petty, with Israel Folau hopefully making more inroads into the backline.
This team can beat the Boks if they play for 80 minutes, and Wallabies fans are entitled to that formula.
But another 45-55 minute display will leave Michael Cheika sharing an unwanted record.