Malta face Latvia in Riga today

This afternoon, the rugby national team open their international commitments for the season with an away match against Latvia from the Euro Nations Cup Division 2A qualifying phase.

Damien Neill’s men are currently fourth in the five-team group with four points, level with the Latvians and Croatia.

With the bottom two in the group facing the drop to Division 2B, the Maltese are aware that victory today is essential to preserve their status in the European rankings.

Besides, they will be keen to boost their confidence levels ahead of next week’s match against Lithuania at the Hibs Stadium.

In their last international outing, Malta lost to group leaders Sweden 24-13 in Stockholm.

Today, Malta have a score to settle with Latvia. Last year, the Baltic side came from behind to beat Malta 33-26 at Corradino in a match which saw the Maltese leading 19-6 at the interval.

The domestic season in Malta got underway last week with the Ray Elliott Cup. The champ-ionship starts next month.

Current standings

Sweden (4-1-0) 18; Lithuania (3-1-1) 14; Latvia (1-0-3) 4; Malta (1-0-3) 4; Croatia (1-0-3) 4.