Andy Robinson faces the defining few weeks of his career as England head coach, insisting: ' I have never ducked a challenge.'
England conclude their four-Test autumn series with a quickfire rematch against South Africa at Twickenham tomorrow, and Robinson's future remains the subject of intense scrutiny.
Even if England follow up last week's victory over the Springboks by completing a double just 10 months before the countries' pivotal World Cup pool clash in Paris, there is no guarantee Robinson will be around for the forthcoming RBS 6 Nations Championship campaign.
His record shows just nine wins from 21 Tests, while the world champions also equalled their all-time low of seven successive defeats this year, which included a heaviest home loss to New Zealand and first Twickenham reversal against Argentina.
Detailed debriefs involving Robinson and senior Rugby Football Union figures are set to take place well before Christmas, although the 42-year-old is admirably retaining his sense of focus on a job he landed in 2004, replacing Sir Clive Woodward.
And Robinson is not alone, with Springboks coach Jake White being summoned to a South African Rugby Union president's council meeting in Cape Town next Wednesday, amid speculation his three-year reign could soon be at an end.
'With the RFU, I have honest, open and frank discussions regularly, which is the way it should be,' said Robinson.
'I have nothing to hide, and I have never ducked a challenge.
'I have enjoyed this month because it is an honour to represent your country, You make sacrifices in terms of your family or your clubs, so it is important you enjoy it and accept the pressure.'
England are chasing an eighth win in a row against South Africa, while the Springboks have not triumphed at Twickenham since 1997 when Woodward's third match in charge produced a 29-11 defeat.
Robinson added: 'Winning back-to-back Tests against South Africa is a big ask, injuries or otherwise. A lot of our boys have put their bodies on the line.'
