RCL battles heat and champions in Bundesliga return

9th September 2024

Rugby Club de Luxembourg

Under a scorching sun and temperatures exceeding 30°C, the players from the Grand Duchy fought valiantly against SC Frankfurt 1880. Despite a logical 48-3 defeat, there were plenty of positives to build on for the future.

It was on a sweltering afternoon that the RC Luxembourg made their return to the 1st Bundesliga. The task ahead was daunting, as the undefeated champions, SC Frankfurt 1880, who have dominated the Bundesliga for several seasons, served as the welcome committee for the Luxembourg players.

In a match filled with intensity, RCL held their ground against the hosts, managing to keep the score at 5-3 (Penalty Franzina, 18') until the 25' thanks to a resolute defense. However, the end of the first half saw them concede two tries, including one resulting from a beautiful cross-field kick by the German international number 10. At halftime, the score was 17-3, and Frankfurt’s frustration was palpable, leading to a few scuffles (one yellow card for each side, 32'). Nevertheless, the Sky Blues were determined to keep the pressure on despite conceding three tries in the first half.

The second half mirrored the first, with the Germans dominating possession while RCL’s defensive line worked tirelessly to remain compact and fend off the hosts’ relentless attacks. Frankfurt managed to score five more tries in the second half, ultimately securing a 48-3 victory.

Though the scoreline was heavy, the Luxembourg players never gave up. However, too many errors in the rare offensive opportunities and a lack of efficiency in set-piece play explained their inability to convert their few incursions into the German half into points—points that would have been deserved given the Royals’ resilience.

Next weekend, another mountain awaits RC Luxembourg with the visit of SC Neuenheim, finalists in the last two seasons. Despite the size of the challenge, the Sky Blues are determined to rise to the occasion and put on a strong performance in front of their home crowd for the first time this season.

RCL:
Dennis Soto (Logelin) - Agassi (Fubel) - Rocha (Tosatti)- Sweetnam - Barton (cap) - Verlaque - Mu'azzam (Pelot) - Fawssett - Pelletier (s)(Geretti) - Inciarte (f) - Kenens (Parra) - Yandall (Schroeder) - Olsen - Ketema - Franzina

LET'S GO RCL