"We've still got three games left and as long as we make the top six I'll think we'll be hard to beat," Smith said.
"Our forwards played good today.
"I think we went down there and gave it our all. We've still got a bit of room to improve.
"When you play teams like that you have to be prepared to play strong.
"We had our chances - can't blame anybody else."
With a tough match against Portland on the cards for next week, Smith said his team would need to lift their effort again to come away with a win.
In other matches in round 14, Takahiwai continued their recent winning ways with a 24-16 win over Muriwhenua.
After demolishing Hora Hora 58-0 in the previous round, Takahiwai have rebuilt from their scattered results earlier in the year to make a late run for the playoffs.
Meanwhile, Portland came out on top after a tight encounter against the Moerewa Tigers.
Escaping with a 26-24 win, Portland's good performance has allowed them to crawl back into the top four and sent a warning to Moerewa, who have remained near the top of the premiership ladder for the better part of the year.
The remaining game of the round saw Otangarei capitalise on a weakened Hora Hora Broncos to secure a 68-4 win at Fishbone Park.
