The Otago Spirit conceded a last-minute try to go down to Manawatu in Palmerston North on Saturday, and faces an uphill battle to make the semifinals.
Otago coach John Kyle said he could not fault his team, which played well and was held up over the line at least five times.
The Otago forwards played well and made countless metres on the drive, and had the edge on their opponents for most of the game.
The Otago players appeared to score tries which were not awarded by the referee, Kyle said.
The match was played in a strong wind, which was at Otago's back in the first half.
Manawatu managed to score two breakaway tries in the first stanza, to lead 14-13 at the break.
Facing the wind in the second half Otago mauled well and took the game to Manawatu.
It went ahead 20-14 but could not stop Manawatu, which camped on the Otago line in the dying minutes and eventually went over.
Fullback Janna Vaughan had a sound match for Otago and was rewarded with a try, while electric winger Carla Hohepa scored twice.
Captain and hooker Beth Mallard had an outstanding match.
Otago faces a tough task next week against unbeaten Auckland to get into the semifinals.
It made the final last year, losing narrowly to that team.
But with Wellington beating Hawkes Bay on Saturday, Otago may be able to squeeze through on bonus points.
Manawatu 21 (Jenn James, Selica Winiata, Charlotte Arnopp-Scanlan tries; Rebecca Mahoney 3 conversions), Otago 20 (Carla Hohepa 2, Janna Vaughan tries; Victoria Nafatali penalty, conversion).
Halftime: 14-13.
Otago B kept up its winning record with a last-minute 32-16 win over Auckland B in Auckland on Saturday.
Jeremy Cave scored a late try which was converted by Glenn Dickson to win the game.
Otago led 19-14 at half-time.
Otago B 32 (Casey Stone, Jason Kelly, Matt George, Jeremy Cave tries, Glenn Dickson 2 penalty goals, 3 conversions), Auckland B 26.
