A late penalty gave Malta a precious 18-18 draw against Croatia, a result that gives Malta the right to play the play-off, finishing first in the Conference 1 South thanks to a better point difference than their opponents.

Malta made the first try through Rob Holloway, but Kirk failed to convert with his kick finishing against the goal post. Brajkovic made the first try for Croatia minutes later and Newton converted to put Croatia 7-5 in front.

Brajkovic was again on the mark with a penalty on 24 minutes to increase the lead for Croatia. Another penalty for Malta before the break, scored by James Kirk made the score 10-8 for Croatia by the half way mark.

On the resumption the vistors increased their lead  to 15-8 with another Majkic try. Malta made it 15-15 with a Toby Quarendon try and a Kirk conversion. Malta was now playing better but again went behind when Newton scored with a kick from close range.

Malta tried desperately to save the match and managed to do so on 82 minutes with a James Kirk penalty.

Malta: D. Holliday, H. Collins, A. Harvey, D. Deguara, D. Cerketa, D. Apsee, L. Watts, M. Davey, T. Holloway, T. Quarendon, R. Gum, C. Dudman, R. Holloway, J. Debattista, J. Kirk

Kroazja: I. Miljak, D. Brecic, I. Biskic, J. Brajkovic, M. Buljac, S. Owen, M. Ozich, D. Rowe, J. Newton, L. Rosso, M. Grcic, N. Jurisic, S. Majkic, M. Vlajevic, D. Plazibat

Referee: Jorge Molpeceres (Spain)