“They say what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.”
Those were the sentiments of Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) president Terry Cobner in his South Africa programme notes.
Following the latest capitulation and an 11th home Test defeat in 12 games, Welsh rugby does find itself on life support.
The WRU annual general meeting (AGM) will be held on Sunday, less than 24 hours after Welsh rugby’s latest humiliation. It could prove a lively affair.
This latest shambles against the Springboks might well strengthen the WRU’s hand that something has to be done.
After the England loss, former Wales captain Gwyn Jones said Welsh rugby bosses should not waste a crisis and must instigate immediate major change.
The WRU has since proposed cutting the number of professional sides in Wales from four to three but no clear plan has emerged on how that will happen.
Negotiations will continue with Ospreys, Scarlets, Cardiff and Dragons in December, the WRU hoping a decision can be made by consensus before the end of the year.
If it is not resolved, the process will go out to tender and that could take six months.
So it could still be ongoing in the spring when Wales will be attempting to avoid a third clean sweep of defeats in the Six Nations.
The process is being led by WRU director of rugby and head of elite performance Dave Reddin, chair Richard Collier-Keywood and chief executive Abi Tierney, who has only just returned to work after undergoing cancer treatment.
The faith in the ability of this trio to instigate and implement change is under scrutiny with question marks over their futures.
Reddin was caught on camera smiling while Wales were trailing 59-0 against South Africa.
At best, it was unfortunate optics. At worst, it reveals concerns as to whether Reddin has empathy with the current plight of Welsh rugby and if he really has its interests at heart.
