The rugby national team complete their commitments in the FIRA-AER Division 2A today when they take on group runners-up Switzerland (kick-off: 3pm).

Damien Neill’s men made the trip to Winterthur with the sole objective of a positive result that would consolidate their grip on third place in the group standings which would also mean no relegation worries.

After last week’s 33-10 defeat to The Netherlands, Malta coach Neill will be urging his players for a more polished display after a rather sloppy performance in defence against the group winners at the Hibs Stadium.

With a seven-point cushion over fourth-bottom Croatia, Malta’s position in the standings looks almost safe. Croatia, who have a game in hand, play the formidable Dutch in Amsterdam this afternoon but Neill is not taking chances.

“We knew before the start of this double header that we needed a win to ensure our position in the group and nothing has changed after the Netherlands defeat,” Neill said.

“We cannot rely on what other teams do this weekend. Destiny is in our hands so we have to go out and take the win to avoid tense situations.”

Neill is sweating on the fitness of Mark Davey, scorer of a try last week, after he picked up a knee injury while his brother Tom Davey is unavailable.

Harry Collins, Marvin Cordle and Jack Basher, who all started on the bench against the Netherlands, could be handed a starting berth against an attack-minded Swiss side who beat Malta 19-10 in Corradino last year.

Playing today
15.00 Switzerland vs Malta; Netherlands vs Croatia.

Current Standings
Netherlands (6-1-0) 30; Switzerland (4-1-1) 20; Malta (3-0-4) 14; Croatia (1-0-5) 7; Lithuania (1-0-5) 5.