The Otago Spirit is in must win territory after a heavy loss to Canterbury in Christchurch on Saturday.
Playing in fine conditions, Otago jumped out to an early 8 0 lead after flanker Madelaine Finch crashed over following a sustained attack and a penalty goal.
However, the home side scored two tries - one after the halftime whistle - to go into the break with a four point lead.
Errors crept into the Spirit's game in the second spell, as aimless kicks and questionable decision making allowed Canterbury to get on top.
The red and blacks ran in five second half tries to record their first win of the women's NPC, while condemning Otago to its second loss in three games.
Otago scored a consolation try through centre Greer Muir in the final moments of the match, but the damage had been done.
With just three regular season games remaining, the Spirit must now beat Bay of Plenty at home this weekend and beat either Auckland or Counties Manukau in its final two matches to have a shot at making the semifinals.
Otago coach Duncan McEwan praised his team's first half performance, calling it the best half of rugby his team had played all season, but said the side went away from its game plan in the second spell.
''Our game plan is all about shifting the ball to the middle of the pack to width,'' he said.
''But we started running into the inside channels a bit too much. Into their massive pack. And our bodies started getting beaten up and we turned the ball over.
''The girls are really disappointed. We really targeted this game and we thought we were in with a good chance ... but we just went away from our plan.''
McEwan was pleased with his team's scrum, which bounced back after being demolished by Canterbury in a pre season match last month. However, the lineout was a different story, as the Spirit misfired on seven of its own throws.
''We paid the price for that.
''We have just got to combine the second half against Hawkes Bay [a fortnight ago] and the first half against Canterbury and we will be all right.''
Otago Spirit v Canterbury
The scores
Canterbury 43
Olivia McGoverne 2, Elizabeth Pera, Kendra Cocksedge, Estelle Uren, Stephanie Te Ohaere Fox, Jessie Hansen tries; Cocksedge 4 con
Otago 13
Madelaine Finch, Greer Muir tries; Michaela Baker 1 pen
Halftime: 12-8 Canterbury
