TR-Review Rugby-Bundesliga: 78 retains the upper hand in the Hanover Derby
78 was able to keep the upper hand in this derby as well. Photo (c) Janus
The last Bundesliga game in the north offered pretty much everything again, despite difficult external conditions: fast and hard rugby, wit, great attempts and a game that did justice to one of the traditional derbies in German rugby. The bottom line was that Hannover 78 left the field as the winner, even if Germans could deliver a good business card.
SC Germania List 14–23 Hannover 78
Hannover 78 is and remains the measure of all things in the north. The traditional club from the city of Leinestadt was able to keep the upper hand in all other than simple conditions on the first weekend of Advent in the last game of the year and win the derby. It was the seventh win in the seventh game since the Bundesliga restarted.
Jan Piosik, who made the difference after 80 hard minutes in November mud. Both teams struggled with failures, but the Germanic peoples were struggled more severely, with the sevens cracks Niclas Koch and Felix Hufnagel, as well as eagle ace Nico Windemuth, three extremely important players were missing.
Maurice Riege was a top performer who was able to prove his requirements for Germania. Daniel Koch one of the best attempts of the year. Despite the slippery play equipment, Germania’s playmaker dared to take a penalty kick as a cross-kick and thus dominate the squad in his own half.
With leather under his arm, he put on an irresistible solo over more than half of the space for the second Germania attempt and got rid of several 78 defenders. At this point in time, Max Eilers had already tried to score points for the Germanic peoples. Their two also put 78, but in the end Jan Piosek made the difference.
His three penalties secured a guest victory, which 78 coach Benjamin Krause rates as “deserved”. Not only the performance from the tee was essential, but also the tactical kicks with which you can free yourself and put Germania under pressure, as as as a key to the victory.
“Of course we are incredibly happy with the win,” Benjamin Krause told TR. The original 78er WON’T tire of emphasizing that Germania contributed its part to a great derby and made it attractive for the audience.
It looks similar to the defeated opponents: “It was a physical game, but also fast, really good for the weather,” said Germania captain Stefan Mau. 78 deserved victory thanks to the more concentrated appearance and the perfect record from the tee, so Maus sums up.
The Germanic peoples finish the rugby year 2021 with a positive balance. In third place and just four points behind RK 03 Berlin, there is still a chance of a playoff entry. The catch-up game against the Berliners, which will probably be terminated in March 2021, should be decisive.