Malta's national Rugby "Team of the Year" will be facing a crucial test on Saturday at the Hibs Ground, Kordin at 1pm.

Cisk Lager is again supporting the acclaimed Malta Rugby Football Union (MRFU) and their activities.

"In order to qualify for the next round of the World Cup 2007 in France, the national Rugby team must win the next two tough fixtures, starting with Serbia-Montenegro on Saturday, followed by Bulgaria, away in Sofia, the following week," said Malta's national coach, Damien Neill.

"The Serbs will be bent on taking revenge for the narrow defeat inflicted on them by the gallant Maltese boys last year, who require absolutely every last gram of skill, strength and stamina. The strong Serbs were upset to be beaten by "little" Malta and have massive national pride of their own," he said.

Neill added: "We are expecting a very tough match and we will therefore need all the support from the local enthusiasts," he said.

The squad is at present accommodated at the Corinthia Jerma Palace Hotel in Marsascala, part sponsors of the team which has been training daily at the Hibs Ground since Monday. The players have commented favourably about the excellent surface at that ground which is well known in local football circles.

Damien Neill is rebuilding the Malta side and is keeping his cards very close to his chest. He also announced his final squad of 22 players for the match. Three of the local rugby clubs, namely Stompers RFC, Kavallieri RFC and Alligators RFC have representatives in the national team with Kavallieri RFC contributing no fewer than seven players. These are Ian Borda, Robert Bonavia, David Gasan, Daniel Grima, Matthew Mirabelli, Chris Vassallo and Sean Doublesin.

The others are Dean Zammit, Harry Collins, Martin Mallia, Tom Webb, Luke Watts, Steve Kempster, Dominic St George, Paul Cioffi, Dominic Busuttil, John Dimmond, Mark Cuschieri, Jasmie Caruana, Oliver Sacco, Nick Warren and Joe Sultana. Watts and Busuttil are both newcomers to the squad.

The Hibs Stadium has been chosen as the venue because athletics necessities at the Marsa have made the pitch smaller than required by the rules of the International Rugby Board.

"The Hibs Ground meets all requirements for an international standard pitch," said Pierre Mangion, treasurer of the association.

An admission fee of Lm2 will be charged on Saturday but those Under 16 will be admitted free of charge.

Mangion also said that there were no international repercussions after the brawl that ensued during the last international against Poland late last year at Marsa. "We hope there will be no repeat this time. The Hibs Ground offers better security to spectators and players alike," said MRFU secretary John Micallef Moreno.

The Corinthia Jerma Palace Hotel also forms part of the sponsors of the Rugby team.