Germany Women Secure Dominant 44-10 Victory Over Finland in Rugby Europe Women’s Trophy
Germany’s women’s rugby team successfully completed their comeback to international play with an impressive 44-10 victory over Finland at the Rugby Europe Women’s Trophy on Saturday.
After an eighteen-month break, Germany showed off their strength under the leadership of captain Mette Zimmat, who scored four tries.
In the Rugby Europe Women’s Trophy 2024–25 on Saturday, Germany’s first women’s international in eighteen months concluded with a convincing 44–10 victory over the hosts Finland.
It wasn’t shocking that Germany recovered from a poor start thanks to the heroics of captain Mette Zimmat (pictured), as the center crossed for four tries. Germany hadn’t played since losing 20–5 to Portugal in April 2023.
When Zimmat crossed for her first try and Charlotte Malaizier completed the conversion in the ninth minute, Germany seized the lead. However, Finland responded with two unconverted tries.
After goals in the 20th and 35th minutes from Wing Oona Tolppanen and Zimmat’s opposite number, Emmi Ovaskainen, it appeared as though Finland would lead 10–7 at the half. But near the end of the first half, Zimmat scored her second goal of the game, making the score 12–10 for Germany.
After that, there was only one winner, as Germany easily won the match in the second half by scoring 29 points without receiving an answer.
Before Johanna Hacker, Zimmat’s midfield partner, scored twice in the next four minutes to put Germany firmly in control, Zimmat completed her hat-trick with a superb run to the line.
After wing Steffi Gruber scored her sixth try, Malaizier converted it for seven points before scoring another try of her own.
Zimmerman got the last say, fittingly, as she scored her fourth try just as the clock reached the end of regulation, capping an impressive performance from Germany’s best female player.
Head coach Gareth Jackson stated, “Even though it was a close game until the second half, I think we can be very satisfied.”
The fact that every player on the bench made an instant, beneficial impact on the game upon entering the field was also crucial to note.
“Of course, we also saw things that we need to continue to work on, but overall we are happy with today’s performance.”
In the World Rugby Women’s Rankings, Germany will gain 0.49 points, bringing their ranking to 50.91. Unfortunately, Germany will still finish in twenty-one, 1.81 points behind Sweden.
When the official rankings are released at 12 p.m. BST (GMT+1), Finland will fall one spot to 37th, as the squad from Jamaica will have jumped ahead of them.
