A promising start in the competition with a win over Wellington has been followed by three straight losses, leaving the side with the unenviable task of needing to beat perennial champion Auckland at Carisbrook today to get into the semifinals.
"This really is a must of must-win games," Spirit coach John Kyle said yesterday.
Kyle, although realistic on how tough a task his side faces, said the team had trained well this week and was completely focused on the job.
Auckland is unbeaten and soundly beat the other heavyweight in the competition, Canterbury, 23-10 last week.
Kyle said the side had prepared well for the game, with a couple of good trainings.
The side had lost in the last minute to Manawatu last week, but had created plenty of chances and was unlucky to go down.
A win over Auckland is not unheard if for Otago, with the side beating the women from the City of Sails 15-5 in 2006.
It also went close in last year's final, the Aucklanders prevailing 32-27.
Kyle said the Spirit just had to step up and believe in its ability to get a win.
Otago, Wellington and Hawkes Bay all have one win but Kyle said even if it picked up two bonus points, Otago would not qualify, so it simply had to win.
The Auckland team was not available yesterday.
In other games, Canterbury plays Wellington and Hawkes Bay takes on Manawatu.
