Malta geared up for Dutch showdown

Buoyed by an impressive showing in Latvia last week, the Maltese national team have set their sights on taking top spot in Division 2B when they take on group leaders Holland at the Hibs Ground today (kick-off 3 p.m.).

Saturday's 32-19 victory in Riga lifted Malta to second place in the standings on seven points, two adrift of the Dutch who maintained their perfect start with a 36-24 win over Sweden at home.

Confidence is high in the Maltese clan and although Malta coach Damien Neill admitted that his players are facing the strongest team in the group today, he was also upbeat of a positive result at Corradino.

"We couldn't have asked for a better build-up to this match," Neill said.

"That victory in Latvia has injected a great dose of confidence in my players and that is very important when you're preparing to play the best team in the group.

"Maybe the Dutch are favourites but we are never put off by a difficult challenge and our objective is to round up our first-round commitments with a win."

Today's qualifier has double significance for both teams as both are vying for top spot in the group and qualification to the next phase of the 2011 World Cup.

Victory for Malta would put them level on points with the Dutch at the top of the standings. According to FIRA-AER rules, when two teams are tied, the points difference is con-sidered for classification purposes.

Holland have a superior difference of +23 at the moment so the Maltese will have to win handsomely to leapfrog their opponents.

"Our home upset to Croatia in our opening fixture has cost us dear but now there's no point crying over spilt milk," Neill admitted.

"We must try and do our best. Anything can happen in this game so we must give our 100 per cent. It's going to be tough but we will give it a try."

Neill has no injury worries. James O'Brien, a late addition to the squad, is again expected to start the match and will look to add to the two tries he scored in Latvia.

Although this will be Malta's first clash with Holland, the Malta coach has a clear vision of what to expect this afternoon.

"We know the Dutch are a complete team who play some exciting rugby and that will make a great spectacle for the spectators," Neill said.

"Our hopes will again rest on the local crowd. We need our fans' vocal backing to inspire us in such situations."

Today's qualifier will be broadcast live on Melita Sports.

Results so far: Sweden vs Latvia 21-5; Netherlands vs Croatia 18-12; Sweden vs Malta 6-9; Latvia vs Netherlands 10-29; Malta vs Croatia 16-18; Netherlands vs Sweden 36-24; Latvia vs Malta 19-32.

Today: Malta vs Netherlands; Croatia vs Latvia.

Standings: Netherlands 9; Malta 7; Sweden 5; Croatia 4; Latvia 3.