The Malta rugby national team are in high spirits ahead of Saturday’s crucial FIRA-AER Division 2A qualifier against Croatia at the Hibs Stadium (kick-off: 2pm).

A 13-10 victory over Lithuania in Vilnius last weekend have put Damien Neill’s team in a strong position to retain their place in the division for another qualifying campaing.

The team are currently third in Division 2A on nine points, two points clear of Croatia and four ahead of bottom-placed Lithuania.

Danny Sacco, the Malta team manager, told timesofmalta.com that the team must take all points from the match to ensure they face their final two qualifiers against group leaders Netherlands and second-placed Switzerland with little pressure next April.

“The match against Croatia is a massive match for us,” Sacco said.

“We have to beat Croatia to open a good buffer on our relegation rivals and ensure that we finish the season at least in third place and avoid a relegation play-off that would put huge financial strains to our association.

“I hope the Maltese fans will come to the Stadium to support our players as this is a key match for us.”