MALTA V CROATIA: World Cup Qualifying, Europe R3 European Nations Cup, Division 2A

27.10.2012
Malta v Croatia in Makarska (WCQ Europe R3; ENC 2A)

Venue:

Referee: Tomas Tuma (Czech Republic)

Preview
This is the first ENC 2A rugby test match of the season. Both these teams have been regulars at this level for some time.

Croatia defeated Slovenia 87-0 in a non-test friendly on the 20th October. They have a good smattering of Aussie and Kiwi Croats as well as their home-based players.

Malta has been preparing in England prior to this match.

Last Five Encounters
28.04.2012 Croatia 31-16 in Zagreb (ENC 2A)
30.04.2011 Malta 21-14 in Valette (ENC 2A)
31.10.2009 Croatia 34-13 in Split (ENC 2B)
25.10.2008 Croatia 18-16 in Marsa (WCQ Europe R3; ENC 2B)
10.11.2007 Croatia 24-9 in Makarska (ENC 2B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table: Malta 21st, Croatia 22nd

IRB Ranking Points
Croatia 48.06, Malta 47.97

Prediction: Croatia by 3 points

TEAMS

Croatia Squad

1 Nick Brajkovic
2 Goran Culic

3 Richard Pervan

4 Dominik Drazenovic

5 Tony Misa

6 Mario Ozich

7 Ante Drazina

8 Tonci Buzov

9 Sasha Sekovanec

10 Jai Ayoub

11 Pasko Ivancic

12 Tomislav Burazin

13 Nik Jurisic

14 Filip Mijic

15 Shane Vinac

 

16 Mike Jasko

17 Ivan Miljak

18 Marjan Slavicek

19 Jaksa Lovreta

20 Tvrtko Dumancic

21 Marko Bunic

22 Dario Oxenham

23 Duje Grubisic

Malta squad not available