To say expectations are low for Wales' upcoming summer tour of South Africa would be something of an understatement.
A repeat of the 1998 tour of hell has been touted, given the low ebb Welsh rugby currently finds itself in. The South African media certainly believes it won't be close.
“For whatever reason, South African coaches almost without exception attempt to build up their opponents as if in an attempt to cushion the blow of any unforeseen defeat," wrote The South African.
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“Allow The South African website to offer some common sense and reality on the Springboks v Wales series.
“The Springboks will win 3-0.
“Wales are utter rubbish at present. They finished fifth in this year’s Six Nations, losing at home to Italy of all opponents.
“The Springboks are the world champions, ranked No 1 in the world and playing at home. Wales are ranked ninth in the world and fortunate to be that high.
"As reported by The South African website, the Welsh are also sending a ‘B’ team to Mzansi having been ravaged by injury.
“The series won’t even be close. Bet on that.”
In The South African's defence, it's hardly an unpopular opinion. But is it a fair one?
Well, given Wales have never won a Test series in South Africa - or even a Test - it's understandable that the odds are stacked against them. Given they're zero for 10 out in South Africa, it's not surprising that a whitewash is expected.
Sure, for that reason alone, a 3-0 Test series defeat might be on the cards, but it's possible that Wales' flaws are a little overblown. Last autumn saw the two sides meet, with the Springboks narrowly coming out on top thanks to a late Malcolm Marx try.
Factor in a ill-timed pitch invader and Wales might well have nicked victory on that occasion. Not too bad considering the Boks' standing as the world's best team.
11 of the starting XV involved in that match will be present in South Africa, while 12 of the starting side that were cruelly denied a Grand Slam in 2021 will also be there. Despite Welsh rugby's numerous problems, there's still some quality left in this side - even if an awful Six Nations campaign might convince you otherwise.
Not many teams in the world would turn down a backline containing the likes of Liam Williams, Josh Adams, Louis Rees-Zammit, George North and Dan Biggar, for a start.
Despite the disastrous defeat to Italy, built upon complacency more than anything, Wales' Six Nations - while limited - did demonstrate that this side is still capable of performances full of grit. Victory over Scotland and the narrow defeats to England and France were largely bloody-minded.
It was a largely similar story in the autumn. While the All Blacks performance was awful, the matches against South Africa and Australia demonstrated Wales' ability to stay in the fight.
Doing that out in South Africa is a different beast of course. Even Warren Gatland's robust and resilient sides, across four matches on South African soil, averaged a losing deficit of around 16 points.
But Pivac will have his mind set on making Wales tough to beat. The personnel in his squad means that he has at least a shot at that.
Wales aren't exactly a brilliant side right now, but they are not a 'rubbish' one either. The truth is they're somewhere in the middle.
Given the state of Welsh rugby, the defeat to Italy could well be a glimpse into the future if things continue to trend downwards as the chickens finally come home to roost. But, despite the inherent flaws in the game's governance in this country, there might just be enough quality left to paper over some of the cracks.
You can question whether that is necessarily a good thing or not. But, for the moment, Wales aren't quite 'utter rubbish' as some would have you believe.
