Watch: Rampant Malta outclass Austria to secure historic promotion to Rugby Europe Trophy Division

MALTA 39

AUSTRIA       13

The Malta rugby national teams secured an historic promotion to the Rugby Europe Trophy Division when they thrashed Austria 39-13 at the National Stadium.

It was a very impressive performance from Phil Pretorius side who completely dismantled the Austrian side with a vibrant display.

The Maltese players produced a complete display, but one must highlight the performances of Rob Holloway and John Connolly, who were a constant threat to the Austrian defence.

It is the first time that Malta has managed to reach the Trophy Division and keeps them on course to realise their dream of pushing for qualification for the 2030 World Cup.

But whatever happens, Malta’s performance was a clear indicator that the team is heading in the right direction, and with vital support from the authorities, this sport has the potential to reach unprecedented heights.

The match seemed to be a balanced affair early on as Austria looked a well-drilled side in the opening minutes, with the Maltese struggling to make any inroads.

But as the minutes passed, the hosts started to dominate possession.

John Connolly and Rob Holloway were starting to cause all the danger with their swift running and incursions, and it was this tandem that breached the Austrian defence after six minutes.

Connolly wriggled his way through but was stopped just five metres out.

Rob Holloway quickly transferred the ball to skipper Joseph Greaves, who touched home the first try of the match.

Kevin Dudman missed the conversion to leave Malta 5-0 ahead.

The Austrians looked stunned, and the Maltese kept their foot on the accelerator and managed to further extend their lead with a second try on 16 minutes.

It was another choral move with the ball falling to Rob Holloway who touched the ball beyond the tryline.

This time Dudman was more precise from the kick to score from the conversion and extend the lead to 12-0.

Austria started to fight their way back into the match as they profited from some indiscipline to score two identical penalties from a central position through Max Karpeles – 12-6.

Malta then suffered a blow as Rhodri Apsee picked up an injury and was replaced by George Strikland.

But the hosts kept their poise and Dudman converted a penalty to settle any nerves and increase the lead to 15-6 at the half-time interval.

On the restart, Malta again made a fast start as inside the first four minutes they scored again.

The Austrians were found wanting a few metres out, and Brandon Dalton seized possession to charge home for Malta’s third try of the match.

Dudman made no mistake in stretching the lead to 22-6.

The Austrians had no time to recover when Malta struck again with a spectacular try.

Adam Kelly was fed at mid-pitch and embarked on a surging run that took him past several Austrian players before touching home.

Dudman missed the conversion as Malta led 27-6.

The Austrians were on the ropes, and Malta struck again soon later when they charged forward with a storming driving maul that breached through the visitors’ defence with Connolly touching the ball home.

Dudman added the conversion to put Malta 34-6.

The Austrians looked dead and buried, and Malta struck again when Rob Holloway kicked the ball on the far side of the right channel, where Rory O’Brien was on hand to clutch the ball and score. – 39-6.

 Seven minutes from time, Austria finally scored their first try through Tobias Boehm and Samuel Schoenauer added the conversion – 39-13.