MRFU face Croatia, Belgium with promotion in sight

The Malta Rugby Football Union (MRFU) are bracing themselves for a crucial week when the national team plays the final two 2007 World Cup qualifiers.

On Saturday, they play Croatia at the Hibs Ground before travelling to Brussels to face Belgium on April 22.

Malta are currently fourth in Pool B at the third qualifying round stage. They lost at home to Germany (0-43) but made up for that by beating Serbia and Montenegro (16-3) in Pancevo, in November, last year.

Germany and Belgium are leading the standings with six points after winning their opening two matches. Croatia, Malta and Serbia have four points but the latter have played all their matches and will surely finish bottom of the group. Croatia are third, just ahead of Malta with a superior point difference.

Kevin Buttigieg, MRFU president, yesterday told reporters that victory on Saturday would not only put the Maltese top of the qualifying group but it would also leave the national team on the verge of promotion to Division 1A of the European Championship next season.

"The MRFU is very close to a fantastic achievement in international rugby," Butti-gieg said.

"We have only been playing at this level for six years but our game has improved consistently well and now we're a step away from playing in the highest division on the continent.

"We know, we can count on the Maltese public to give their support and again make their presence felt this week at the Hibs Ground. At times, it is like we have 16 players in a match. We're convinced that the crowd's drive will push the team to another great result."

National coach Damien Neill said that he was expecting a very tough challenge from the Croats, who are placed 36th in the latest International Rugby Board rankings. Malta are unchanged at 54th.

"Croatia have a formidable all-round rugby team," Neill said.

"They possess a very strong pack and their forward line is made up of some great talent as well. However, the good form of my players makes me confident that we can perform well on Saturday.

"I'm not looking too much in our opponents' strength as I believe that if we manage to play at our own level we are good enough to get the result we need."

Since his appointment, Neill has instilled strict coaching policies that helped the game to prosper and reach higher standards.

Testimony of this is the seven players who figure in the domestic league, all in the national team.

These are: Matthew Mirabelli, Robert Bonavia, Patrick Satariano, David Gasan, Malcolm Attard, Ian Borda and Reuben Vella.

"Rugby development is moving at a fast pace here. I'm pleased with my squad, particularly the ones who play in the MRFU league," Neill said.

"During the past few months they have set themselves a challenge to force their way in the reckoning and today I must say that they have reached their target with flying colours.

"Recently, they attended a training camp in England with our foreign-based players.

"Their contribution was excellent. Now, they fully deserve their place in the squad... that shows that the doors of the national team is open to everybody."

On Saturday, activities at the Hibs Ground start at 1 p.m. with exhibition matches by junior teams and women's Sevens before the World Cup qualifier at 2 p.m.

Cisk Lager, Gatorade, GasanMamo and the Intercontinental Hotel are the MRFU's main sponsors.

Pool B: Germany, Belgium 6; Croatia, Malta, Serbia and Montenegro 4.

The squad: L. Culane, J. Sultana, O. Sacco, R. Vella, P. Marzella, M. Attard, J. Caruana, D. Busuttil, P. Satariano, R. Spiteri, J. Dimmond, M. Mirabelli, D. St George, G. Kennedy, S. Kempster, S. Haycock, R. Bonavia, D. Gasan, L. Watts, E. Zarb, D. Zammit, T. Webb, I. Borda, K. Mason, H. Collins.