Malta secured a historic promotion to the Rugby Europe Trophy Division after a commanding 39-13 victory over Austria at the National Stadium.
Phil Pretorius’ side produced an outstanding all-round performance, completely overpowering the visitors with pace, intensity, and clinical finishing. Among the standout performers were Rob Holloway and John Connolly, who consistently troubled the Austrian defence with their attacking runs and creativity.
The victory marks the first time Malta has reached the Trophy Division, keeping alive the team’s ambitious dream of challenging for qualification to the 2030 Rugby World Cup.
Regardless of what lies ahead, this display underlined the remarkable progress of Maltese rugby. With continued support from the authorities, the sport now appears capable of reaching new heights.
Austria started brightly and looked well organised in the opening stages, while Malta initially struggled to break through. However, as the match progressed, the hosts gradually took control of possession and territory.
Connolly and Holloway began to dominate proceedings, and it was their combination that led to Malta’s opening try after six minutes. Connolly burst through the Austrian defence before being stopped just metres from the line, but Holloway quickly moved the ball to captain Joseph Greaves, who crossed for the first try of the afternoon. Kevin Dudman missed the conversion, leaving Malta 5-0 ahead.
Malta continued to pile on the pressure and doubled their lead on 16 minutes. A flowing attacking move ended with Holloway touching down over the tryline, while Dudman added the conversion to make it 12-0.
Austria responded through two penalties from Max Karpeles after Malta conceded a series of infringements, cutting the deficit to 12-6.
The hosts then suffered a setback when Rhodri Apsee was forced off injured and replaced by George Strickland. Nevertheless, Malta maintained their composure, and Dudman slotted over a penalty before half-time to extend the lead to 15-6.
Malta came flying out after the restart and scored again within four minutes. Brandon Dalton capitalised on hesitation in the Austrian defence to power over for Malta’s third try, with Dudman converting for a 22-6 advantage.
The home side struck again moments later with one of the tries of the match. Adam Kelly collected the ball near midfield and embarked on a brilliant solo run, weaving past several defenders before touching down. Dudman narrowly missed the conversion as Malta stretched their lead to 27-6.
Austria were struggling to cope with Malta’s relentless momentum, and the hosts added another try through a powerful driving maul, finished off by Connolly. Dudman’s conversion increased the lead to 34-6.
Malta’s dominance continued as Holloway launched a clever kick down the right flank, where Rory O’Brien gathered brilliantly to score Malta’s sixth try and make it 39-6.
Austria managed a late consolation try through Tobias Boehm, converted by Samuel Schoenauer, but it did little to dampen celebrations as Malta sealed a memorable 39-13 victory and a place in the Rugby Europe Trophy Division.
Sports Editor
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