Nienaber has 'sympathy' for embattled counterpart Foster: 'The All Blacks will get it right'

Some coaching counterparts famously don't get along, but, in general, the rugby brotherhood stands behind each other.

That was evident again after Springbok mentor Jacques Nienaber sprung to the defence of his embattled All Black colleague Ian Foster, whose job is on the line following a string of poor results.

Another reverse in Saturday's Rugby Championship clash at Ellis Park would mean a sixth in seven starts for the New Zealanders.

Yet Nienaber intimated it's easy for outsiders to judge a coach, perhaps even prematurely.

"As coaches, we'll always have sympathy for each other," said South Africa's coach.

"It's a pressure environment, we're all under it. If you're a coach in countries where rugby is such a big sport like New Zealand and South Africa - places with massive history - then you're going to have a difficult job at times. 

"But it's not only the coaches. The players are also under massive pressure. We all know if you have lost three in a row, for example, you're under the microscope because of the expectations. 

"It is what it is."

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It's unsurprising then that Nienaber is wary of adopting the mindset that the Boks' wounded opponents are ripe for the taking, especially in a region where the All Blacks have won four out of the last five Tests played between the sides in Johannesburg (FNB Stadium and Ellis Park).

"If you look at the All Blacks, I'm sure they'll get it right. Our job is just to make sure they don't get it right against us," he said.

"They've got such a good coaching team with massive experience, they have centurions in their squad and great players. There's a good structure and organisation back home. 

"It's a matter of