Zagreb test for national team

The Maltese national team will complete their commitments in the FIRA-AER Division 2A this afternoon when they take on Croatia away.

Damien Neill’s men come into this match in high spirits following last weekend’s stunning 22-14 victory over group leaders Sweden at the Hibs Stadium that lifted Malta to second in the standings.

With their status in the division secured for the next two seasons, Neill will be keen to see his charges wrap the campaign on a winning note as victory in Zagreb could put the team on pole to the race for second place as Sweden’s promotion to Division 1B is all but secured.

In the first round, Malta beat Croatia 21-14 at the Hibs Stadium.

Today, Neill will be unable to name the same team that played so well against the Swedes.

Joss Howlands is out to serve suspension following his second-half dismissal at Corradino last week. His place in the starting formation will be handed to Dan Apsee who is likely to make his full debut after a substitute appearance against Sweden.

Winger Oliver Sacco is also out with a foot injury while Vince Stivala is unavailable.

Tom Pace Moore and Dar-ren Deguara were the two new faces drafted in Neill’s list.

The squad: D. Holliday, H. Collins, A. Livesey, L. Watts, C. Sammut, M. Bonavia, D. Apsee, M. Davey, T. Holloway, R. Holloway, J. Morris, D. Busuttil, R. Quarendon, M. Camilleri, J. O’Brien, D. Cerketa, T. Pace Moore, C. Cassar, D. Deguara, M. Galea, M. Attard.

Standings: Sweden (5-1-1) 24; Malta (4-0-3) 20; Lithuania (3-1-2) 19; Croatia (2-0-4) 11; Latvia (1-0-5) 7.