Malta rugby coach Damian Neill has challenged his players to show their true pedigree and beat Sweden, the Division 2A winners, at the Hibs Stadium this afternoon (kick-off: 2 p.m.).
The national team have shown good form at Nations Cup assignments this season as back-to-back victories in Latvia (28-0) and at home to Lithuania (14-10) lifted the side to third place in the group behind Sweden and runners-up Lithuania.
Today, however, Neill’s men have a formidable task facing them as they take on a Swedish side that have been in dominant mood in this group, wrapping up promotion with five wins and a draw.
Malta enjoy a fairly good record against the Swedes as in three previous meetings they emerged victorious twice with their latest success coming in November 2009 when a last-gasp penalty con-version from James O’Brien handed the Maltese a thrilling 25-23 win at Corradino.
“The match against Sweden will be a great challenge for our team to show that they can play against the best team in this category,” Neill told The Times.
“Sweden have made giant strides in rugby in recent years.
“They have benefited from the huge financial backing of the IRB and that made a difference as results can testify. Sweden are now on the verge of moving into the second tier of FIRA-AER.
“We have played some good rugby this season but this will be our toughest match. Victory will give us mathematical certainty of finishing at least third.
“So, we’re looking to complete the job here before our last match.”
The Malta coach has two new faces in his squad for today’s match and against Croatia today week – James Morris and Dan Apsee.
Blindside flanker Charlie Sam-mut is back in the fray but James Kirk is out injured.
Provisional Squad
A. Livesey, D. Cerketa, V. Stivala, H. Collins, T. Holloway, J. Howland, D. Holliday, M. Davey, M. Galea, T. Pace Moore, R. Holloway, M. Attard, C. Cassar, T. Quarandon, C. Sammut, M. Bonavia, K. Mason, J. O’Brien, D. Apsee, D. Busuttil, J. Morris, M. Camilleri, L. Watts, R. Borg, J. Cutajar, N. Gatt, O. Sacco, D. Deguara.
Current Standings
Sweden (5-1-0) 24; Lithuania (3-1-2) 19; Malta (3-0-3) 16; Croatia (2-0-4) 11; Latvia (1-0-5).
Remaining Fixtures
Today – Malta vs Sweden.
April 28 – Croatia vs Malta; Latvia vs Lithuania. May 5 – Sweden vs Latvia; Lithuania vs Croatia.