South Africa's No1 ranking in Test cricket has piled the pressure on them to keep winning, and made them extra large targets for anyone they play against.
That, at least, is the Australian view ahead of the first Test at the Gabba in Brisbane on Friday.
On one level, the Aussies would say that, wouldn't they? After all, they stand to regain top-dog status if they win the three-match series.
But, as the team that wore the crown for 74 months between June 2003 and July 2009, the Australians should be taken seriously. If anyone knows what it feels like to be in the rest of the cricket world's sights, it's Australia - who are currently third on the ladder.
"They're the No1 team in the world and deservedly so, but we're breathing down their necks," Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting said.
"I know that when we were No1, every time the opposition played you they wanted to knock us off that perch - they wanted to see where they were compared to us.
"That's the boat South Africa are in for the next few weeks."
In his old job as South Africa's coach, Mickey Arthur knew the feeling, having guided the Proteas to the top of the Test tree in August 2009.
But they wilted after just four months, giving way to India at the end of November that year.
"Getting to No1, you're always chasing a dream," said Arthur, who is now in charge of Australia.
"And then your focus changes when you are No1 because the expectation to defend that title is massive."
Did that mean the South Africans might struggle to live with the reality that they are, officially, the best Test team?
"It is two different mindsets," Arthur said.
"It probably is a little bit more difficult to adjust [to being on top] because every time you go out there you are expected to win."
The survivors from Australia's golden age in the 12-man squad for the first Test are Ponting, Michael Clarke, Mike Hussey, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus.
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