Whether they have read about it, been warned about it or experienced it first-hand, the Lions know what stands between them and a place in British and Irish rugby folklore - a Bok-lash.
South Africa will hurl themselves into Saturday's second Test here with the wild ferocity of desperate men. Their backs are against the wall following defeat in the series opener at the same grand, empty arena seven days ago. For the world champion Springboks, the stakes couldn't be higher. They are on a 'do or die' mission to set up a decider next week.
Warren Gatland and his touring party have been looking past the Rassie Erasmus circus sideshow this week, to brace themselves for the prospect of fire and fury from their wounded opponents. The Lions know how motivated the Boks will be. They know how much this fixture matters and that if the hosts are going to go down, they will go down swinging this time.
The Lions can clinch the series on Saturday but only if they are wary of South Africa's backlash
Warren Gatland's men will know how motivated the Boks will be after losing the first Test
There has been some literary assistance, to help the visitors come to terms with what awaits them. 'I've read a book "Ja-Nee", by Dugald Macdonald, which gives you a South African perspective on the 1974 Lions series, after they lost the first Test,' said forwards coach Robin McBryde on Friday. 'That was enough of an insight for me, with regards to what the second Test means to them as a nation.
'It was written by someone who played in the game. That second Test in 1974 was given the title of the most important game in South African history. It was really built up and he was reflecting on all the pressure that was on them as players.
'It gives you a flavour of how much it meant to the nation and how much the first Test defeat hurt them. It gives you an insight into how they'll be feeling at this moment and how they'll be more determined on Saturday to make sure it doesn't happen again. They're a very proud nation who will be looking to come out with all guns blazing. That's what we're expecting.'
Aside from Erasmus's social media tirades, the recurring theme of the past week is how South Africa respond in adversity. There is an assumption that the Boks will be possessed by a primal fear of failure, which will manifest itself in a thunderous onslaught.
Rassie Erasmus' social media antics are less relevant than how well the Springboks respond
Robbie Henshaw has found himself in the path of that juggernaut before, when Ireland won their first Test here five years ago, only to slump to a 2-1 series defeat as the hosts fought back with trademark physical intensity. The centre is alert to a similar danger on Saturday.
'They're going to be emotionally driven,' he said. 'After the last game,
