Arizona Tribune - Malta Stuns Sweden with Late Penalty Comeback in Rugby Europe Trophy

Malta overturned a 15-point second-half deficit to defeat Sweden 36–34 in a dramatic Rugby Europe Trophy encounter at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on Saturday. Kevin Dudman landed the decisive penalty in the closing stages as Phil Pretorius’ side completed a remarkable recovery from 34–19 down to preserve their perfect record in the competition.

Following their victory over Germany, Malta delivered another memorable result ahead of February’s crucial meeting with Czechia in the battle for promotion to the Rugby Europe Championship.

Malta started strongly and opened the scoring after six minutes. Rob Holloway beat his marker and crossed for a try, with Dudman adding the conversion for a 7–0 lead.

Sweden responded in the 14th minute through Axel Kalling-Smith, whose try was converted by Tatu Robertsson to bring the teams level.

The hosts regained the initiative six minutes later when a driving maul from a line-out ended with Ryan Connolly touching down. Dudman’s conversion restored Malta’s seven-point advantage.

Holloway then claimed his second try in the 26th minute, breaking through the Swedish defence to extend the lead to 19–7, although the conversion was missed.

Sweden reduced the deficit through Daniel Cutler before Malta were temporarily reduced to 14 players following a yellow card for Mark Davey.

The visitors capitalised through Samuel Ekfeldt, whose try brought them within two points at the interval.

Malta missed an early second-half penalty before Sweden took control. Tatu Robertsson crossed to put the visitors ahead, with further tries from Anthony Rafael and Ekfeldt helping them establish a commanding 34–19 lead.

However, a yellow card for Sweden’s Daniel Roos gave Malta an opening, while Pretorius’ replacements helped lift the home side.

Pressure from a driving maul yielded a penalty try to reduce the deficit to 34–26. With three minutes remaining, another maul ended with substitute Harry Collins touching down, and Dudman’s conversion left Malta trailing by a single point.

The comeback was completed when Malta earned a late penalty and Dudman held his nerve to put the hosts 36–34 ahead.

Sweden’s final penalty opportunity ensured a tense finish, but Tatu Robertsson’s miss confirmed another outstanding victory for Malta.

M.O.Allen--AT