A columnist in New Zealand recently suggested we forego next year's Rugby World Cup and immediately hand over the cup to the All Blacks.
His risible writing followed another humbling of the Wallabies and his countrymen seemed happy to go along for the ride.
The Springboks yesterday, however, again laid bare the vicissitudes of international sport with a stirring upset against New Zealand in Wellington. In doing so they also underlined how long a week can be in international rugby.
A week ago the Springboks were no hopers but now they are in contention to potentially snatch the Rugby Championship trophy from under the noses of the All Blacks. That, however, remains a long shot.
The result in Wellington arrived no moment too soon. The win would have opened the valve and released some of the pressure coach Rassie Erasmus has been feeling after consecutive away defeats against Argentina and Australia.
Had they suffered another defeat yesterday Erasmus' win rate would have dropped to an unedifying 37.5%, which would have taken him firmly into the choppy waters frequented by his predecessor, Allister Coetzee.
He would no doubt have had to answer questions about his suitability for the job upon his return, but instead Erasmus and his team will return to SA today with wind beneath their wings.
They didn't just achieve a bonus point win away against the All Blacks, they set a new points scoring mark against the world champions in New Zealand.
They also defended like demons, which would have imbued local rugby supporters with belief for the remainder of the campaign.
The Boks have home Tests against the Wallabies in Port Elizabeth, Saturday week, and a week later they will have a much anticipated return clash against the All Blacks in Pretoria.
Expectation, however, should be tempered for the two remaining home Tests as Erasmus has been fastidious in his belief that game time be spread around his squad.
The coach, who has been mixing and matching with his selections thus far, selected a side that closely resembles his best 23 for the Wellington clash.
He may yield to the temptation to ride the wave he is on in the next two Tests, especially when you consider the end-of-year tour will provide him with more opportunity to widen his net.
Moreover, poor home performances will undo the feel-good factor that swept the fans of the Green and Gold yesterday.
A strong finish in the Rugby Championship, if not potentially winning it, would be a remarkable achievement given the selection policy he has embarked upon.
If Erasmus insists on being adventurous with his selections he is more likely to be against the Wallabies.
He certainly cannot afford to give the All Blacks an inch at Loftus, where the tourists have been unbeaten since 1970. The Boks have lost all four Tests there against the All Blacks since readmission, conceding an average of 41 points.
As thoroughly exhilarating as yesterday's win in Wellington was, there will now be the expectation for the Boks to consistently meet that standard. Now at least, Erasmus knows who in his squad is capable of that...