Damien Neill is demanding a disciplined performance from his players when Malta take on a strong Switzerland side in a FIRA-AER Division 2A qualifier at the Hibs Stadium, today.

With just two points separating the second-placed Switzerland, on 10 points, and Malta, who share third spot with Croatia, the winner of this afternoon’s showdown will emerge as main challengers to leaders Czech Republic, who top the group on 14 points.

The Czechs are away to bottom side Israel today.

This is not the first time that Malta and Switzerland are facing each other in Division 2A.

In the previous qualifying campaign, both teams claimed one win from their two meetings with the Swiss winning 19-10 at the Hibs Stadium in November 2013 and the Maltese taking sweet revenge when they eased to a 29-14 victory, in Winterthur, in April 2014.

“The players have first-hand experience of what to expect from the Swiss,” Neill told Times of Malta.

“We have good knowledge of their strengths. They are compact and have valid players who figure regularly in the French league. They boast a powerful pack and their forwards are capable of hurting us with their speed.

“So, it is very important for us to show a lot of discipline. We have to try and limit the number of penalties conceded and make it difficult for them to score points.”

The Malta coach said he was heartened with the response of his players this week after an erratic performance in the 16-13 win over Israel on Saturday.

“That showing was low-key and an eye-opener for the team ahead of the Switzerland match,” Neill said.

“At training this week the players showed they are keen to up their game. But, as usual, we’ll also rely on our fans at the Hibs Stadium to give us their backing and inspire the team to victory.”

Playing today: 2pm Malta vs Switzerland; Czech Republic vs Israel.

Standings: Czech Rep. (3-0-0) 14; Switzerland (2-0-1) 10; Malta (2-0-1) 8; Croatia (1-0-3) 8; Israel (0-0-3) 1.