25.04.2009
Malta v Netherlands in La Valette (WCQ Euro.R3, ENC 2B)
Preview
The Netherlands has already qualified for the next round of World Cup matches. This game is more about pride and playing for the best position to start the second round in ENC 2B.
Malta has had a very good season. They started with a heart-breaking last minute loss to Croatia and then just won against Sweden away. Last weekend they played impressively in Riga to defeat the struggling Latvians 32-19. That win should set them up well in what will be a struggle against the visiting Dutch. The predicted huge home-crowd support will be worth ten points to the locals.
It was only ten years ago that the Netherlands were playing in the top division of the European Nations Cup. They have slipped since then and are now climbing their way back towards the top. Having already qualified to the next level of World Cup rugby they can concentrate on playing well against the Maltese.
These two teams have never met before.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Netherlands 18th, Malta 19th
Prediction: Netherlands by 6 points.
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I thought this game would decide whether Netherlands or Malta will qualify for the next WC round ?
ReplyDeleteIt might. But the two remaining Croatia matches might also play a role. Check out the conversation below at the post "Rugby Tests This Weekend 25 April".
ReplyDeleteCome on RugInt get your act together :)
ReplyDeleteMalta are still very much alive.
Well, I guess not anymore. Netherlands it is.
ReplyDeletePhew! Saved by the score!
ReplyDelete