Malta coach Damien Neill is calling on his players to prove they have enough mental strength to overcome the challenge of Croatia in a crucial FIRA-AER Division 2A qualifier at the Hibs Stadium today.

The dramatic 13-10 win away in Lithuania the week before has given the team a timely boost ahead of this must-win showdown against Croatia who won the last two direct encounters and have always been tough clients for Neill’s men to deal with.

Malta are now third in the five-team group, two points clear of Croatia and four ahead of bottom-placed Lithuania.

With the fourth-placed team facing a relegation play-off, Neill wants to be sure his players continue to ride the crest of wave and avoid getting embroiled in the tussle against the drop.

“It’s a must-win scenario for us, there’s no other way to look at it,” Neill told Times of Malta.

“Our victory in Lithuania was a huge shot in the arm but we’re still not out of the woods yet.

“We know this will be a difficult match. Croatia are also wary that this will probably be their last chance to avoid the bottom two places so they will be equally determined to spoil our party.

“For sure, this will be a huge psychological test for both sides. If our players stay focused we can do it. This squad is talented enough to see us through.”

Neill is boosted by the return of winger Oliver Sacco. His inclusion is likely to see James O’Brien, Malta’s hero in Vilnius after scoring a last-gasp penalty, restored to his usual fullback position.

“James O’Brien was outstanding against Lithuania,” Neill remarked.

“It will be interesting to see how he’ll react against Croatia after he suffered an injury following a very tough tackle in the corresponding fixture last year.

“The return of Oliver Sacco gives us more options. Vince Stivala and James Morris have done a very good job in the absence of the Holloways and that is another plus.”

Playing such an important match on home soil is an added advantage and coach Neill has appealed to the Maltese fans to turn up in big numbers at the Corradino stadium this afternoon to encourage the team.

“The atmosphere our fans generate is something difficult to explain in words,” Neill said.

“The players like it and so does the rugby organisation. I’m sure this will be another great occasion for Maltese rugby and a day to celebrate.”

Meanwhile, the Malta Rugby Football Union yesterday revealed that there will be an added attraction at the Hibs Stadium this afternoon – Miriam Gauci.

In fact, the renowned soprano will be singing the national anthem before kick-off.

Team manager Steve Busuttil said: “It’s a vital moment prior to the game when emotions are already running high.

“So, it doesn’t get any better than having such a big star putting her voice behind us.

“If Miriam Cauchi manages to transfer her passion to the players and fans it will be an awe-inspiring affair.”

Previous Encounters

15/04/2006 Malta-Croatia 26-15
04/11/2006 Malta-Croatia 18-40
10/11/2007 Croatia-Malta 24-9
25/10/2008 Malta-Croatia 16-18
31/10/2009 Croatia-Malta 34-14
30/04/2011 Malta-Croatia 21-14
28/04/2012 Croatia-Malta 31-16
28/10/2012 Croatia-Malta 20-19

Playing Today

2pm Malta vs Croatia; The Netherlands vs Lithuania.

Current Standings

Netherlands (4-0-0) 18; Switzerland (4-0-1) 18; Malta (2-0-3) 9; Croatia (1-0-4) 7; Lithuania (1-0-4) 5.

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