Bulls captain Victor Matfield has conceded that his side's Super Rugby title defense is hanging by a thread after their upset 26-21 loss to the Western Force in Perth on Saturday night.

The Bulls have won the last two titles and three of the last four, but sit seven points outside the top six after nine games and require an improbable turnaround just to qualify for the finals.

Matfield's side lost all three games of their Australasian road trip and he said that had put his side in an enormously difficult position.

In other results, Highlanders beat the Crusaders 26-18, Sharks thumped Hurricanes 40-24, Chiefs edge the Lions 34-30 and Reds continue with their impressive form beating the Waratahs 19-15.


Story by: Dreu Vukailagi