Sub-zero temperatures and snow showers created challenging conditions in the South East German city and with Germany currently at the top of Division 1B of the FIRA European Nations Cup they were using this game in preparation for games against the likes of Poland and the Czech Republic.
Germany got on to the attack from the kick off with South African born outside half Raynor Parkinson using the strong wind to kick for territory. Following pressure in the Welsh 22, Germany were awarded a penalty which Parkinson kicked to the corner. From the resulting lineout Germany used their large forward pack to drive over hooker Alexander Hug for the first try of the game.
Germany refused to loosen their grip on the game and with half backs Parkinson and New Zealand born scrum half and captain Sean Armstrong dictating play, Germany used the wind again to reach the Welsh 22. From a scrum Germany worked the ball through three phases before centre Pieter Jordaan crossed on the left hand side. Wales Students finding themselves 10-0 down inside the first 15 minutes.
This stung Wales Students into action and from the kick off Wales won back possession and moved the ball swiftly from left to right and following two further phases Wales were awarded a penalty which fullback Gareth Thompson (Hartpury College) duly kicked. With Wales now finding their feet they again worked their way into Germany half and following a series of attacks Germany were forced to concede a penalty which Thompson kicked from just outside the German 22.
Wales now had a foothold in the game and increased the speed and intensity of their play. Scrum Half Rhodri Davies (Cardiff Metropolitan University) grabbed the initiative taking a tapped penalty just inside the German half. Catching the German defenders unawares he burst away to score under the posts. Thompson landed the conversion to give Wales the lead by 13-10.
With five minutes of the first half remaining Germany, again through fly-half Parkinson, worked their way into the Wales 22. From a scrum awarded on the left hand side of the field Germany recycled the ball quickly through two phases and wing Marten Strauch was on hand to score wide on the right. This time Parkinson added the conversion and Germany went in at halftime leading by 17-13.
Wales Students returned after half time with the wind at their backs and from the start, looked to up the speed of the game. The pressure began to mount on Germany and Wales missed a series of chances in early part of the second half before Bristol University wing Steffan Jones cut inside off his right foot to beat the last defender and score on the right hand side of the field. Gareth Thompson converted and Wales were very much in the driving seat.
Thompson added a further penalty five minutes to stretch the welsh lead to six points.
With the introduction of a number of substitutes on both side Wales used the impetus to break clear. On 67 minutes, outside half Owen Thomas (University of Glamorgan) ran in from 35 metres following great interplay from forwards and backs.
The reliable Thompson converted and added a try of his own five minutes later when following great defensive work, Wales forced a turnover and moved the ball quickly to the left where wing Rhys Howells (Cardiff University) gave an inside pass for Thompson to cross from 30m taking the score to 35-17.
Germany refused to throw in the towel and threw everything into attack for the remainder of the game but the students dug deep to stop their heavier opponents from gaining a consolation score.
Wales Scorers
Tries: Rhodri Davies, Steffan Jones, Owen Thomas, Gareth Thompson; Cons: Gareth Thompson (3); Pens: Gareth Thompson (3)
Germany
Tries: Alexander Hug, Pieter Jordaan, Marten Strauch; Con: Raynor Parkinson
