The Otago side has to have a close look at itself after a disappointing performance against Waikato, coach Steve Martin says.
Otago, playing for its season, failed to fire at Waikato Stadium on Friday night, losing 39-10 after trailing 28-3 at half-time.
The side sits in 11th place in the Air New Zealand Cup, and plays table-topping Wellington at Carisbrook on Saturday night.
It will need to beat Wellington, with a bonus point, and rely on other results going its way to have any chance of making the quarterfinals.
When asked if the Otago players and the coaching team, including himself, were playing for their employment futures when the side played Wellington, Martin was blunt in his appraisal.
"Everyone in the team has got to have a close look at himself, and the fact that Waikato were able to bring more intensity than what we were," Martin said.
"We need to finish the season well. After all that is what people remember - the last game."
He confirmed he still wanted the job next year and there would be the usual debrief to find the things that had worked well and the negatives, after the last game.
Martin has not thought about the review yet. He is concentrating on preparing the side for this week's game.
"My job is to get the team ready for the game this week. It is one we want to perform well for. The last game of the season."
He said one positive of the season was the emergence of new, young players such as utility back Ben Smith, loose forward Paul Grant, and halfback Sean Romans.
"These guys now have eight, nine Otago games under their belt. They are the future of Otago rugby and I want to be involved in that future."
Martin, whose contract finishes at the end of this year, had stated at the start of the season the side's goal was to reach the semifinals but that looks well beyond it.
Martin said talking to the players after Friday night's game they all said they were up for the game and were ready to play.
But Otago was listless in the first half, with Waikato captain and blindside flanker Liam Messam scoring three tries before leaving the field at half-time.
"The plan was pretty clear from us to get aggressive against them and get up over the advantage line. But they were more spirited then us. We could not get our game going and they had a strong defensive line."
Otago played better in the second half, but by then the game was as good as over.
He declined to discuss the performance of referee Bryce Lawrence.
Martin will have to find some more backs for the game against Wellington.
Smith, who Martin said had been the most consistent player for Otago this season, has a hairline fracture of a bone in his foot, is on crutches, and is out for the season.
Centre Brett Mather re-injured ligaments in his ankle and is a doubtful starter for Saturday night.
Glenn Dickson will stay with the squad this week.
Fullback Glen Horton (shoulder), and midfield back Aaron Bancroft (broken finger) are already out for the season because of injury.
