Germany secured a 26-20 win over the UAE in their first-ever test match at The Sevens Stadium, Dubai, on Saturday.

In a match defined by contrasting fortunes and discipline, the visitors’ composure in key moments proved decisive as the UAE struggled to overcome the burden of playing much of the game with 14—and at one point, 13—players.

UAE Start Strong, but Discipline Costs Dearly

The UAE, buoyed by their physical pack and dynamic runners, made the brighter start. Sakis Naisau finished off a brilliant team move in the 14th minute, showcasing the home side’s attacking force. A lineout deep in German territory set the platform, with Epeli Davetawalu making a strong carry and Andrew Semple’s looping pass finding Naisau in space to score in the corner. Conor Kennedy’s pinpoint conversion gave the UAE a 7-0 lead.

However, momentum shifted just seven minutes later when Aaron Dubois was shown a red card for a reckless mid-air challenge. The dismissal left the UAE scrambling defensively and handed Germany a lifeline. The visitors made it count almost immediately, with winger Felix Lammers pouncing on a chip over the defensive line to score. Germany’s No. 10 added the conversion to level the game at 7-7.

Despite being a man down, the UAE responded well. Kennedy slotted a penalty in the 37th minute to regain the lead, but the Germans struck back just before halftime. Sustained pressure on the UAE line ended with their No. 14, Wolfram Hacker, diving into the corner. A stunning touchline conversion gave Germany a 10-14 advantage at the break.

Second Half Performance

The UAE opened the second half with renewed determination. Kennedy’s penalty early in the half reduced the deficit to one point, but Germany’s power up front soon told as their No. 20 crashed over from close range following a tap-and-go penalty, extending the lead to 21-13.

The UAE refused to give in. A perfectly weighted kick from Semple pinned Germany deep in their own territory, and quick ball from the resulting lineout found Kennedy, who darted into the corner for his side’s second try. His conversion brought the score to 20-21, igniting hopes of a comeback.

But indiscipline reared its head again. Jaen Botes was shown a yellow card for a no-arms tackle in the 59th minute, leaving the UAE temporarily down to 13 players. Germany capitalised, with Lammers producing a moment of brilliance to evade UAE scrum half David Evans and score his second try in the corner. While the conversion was missed, the visitors’ defense held firm in the closing stages to see out the win.

Conor Kennedy was the standout for the UAE, contributing 15 points and showcasing a calm head under pressure. Naisau and Semple added attacking flair, while the UAE forwards dominated for stretches with good work by Epali Davetawalu and Stephen Ferguson. However, the red card to Dubois in the first half shifted the balance of the match, and Germany’s superior discipline proved the difference.

For the UAE, this was a good test against a much more experienced and higher-ranked opponent, but one undermined by lapses in discipline. They will take lessons from this game as they continue their development on the international stage.

‘Small things like this make a big difference’

UAE captain, Matt Mills, gave us his thoughts;

“At this level, going down to 14 men with small errors in the red zone, small things like this make a big difference and Germany, all credit to them, managed to capitalize on it.”

UAE Rugby Squad To Face Germany

1. Lukas Waddington – (Exiles)
2. Moeneeb Galant – (Exiles)
3. Euan McLaren – (Overseas)
4. Stephen Ferguson – (Exiles)
5. Marcus Guerin – (Exiles)
6. Esekaia Dranibota – (Harlequins)
7. Matt Mills [C] – (Exiles)
8. Jaen Botes – (Exiles)
9. Dave Evans – (Harlequins)
10. Andrew Semple – (Harlequins)
11. Sakiusa Naisau – (Shaheen)
12. James Crossley – (Exiles)
13. Jack Stapley – (Overseas)
14. Aaron Dubois – (Hurricanes)
15. Conor Kennedy – (Exiles)
16. David Gairn – (Exiles)
17. Riaan Barnard – (Hurricanes)
18. Pieter Killian – (Exiles)
19. Chris McKee – (Harlequins)
20. Emosi Vecanaua – (Shaheen)
21. Liam Caldwell – (Exiles)
22. Handre Snetler – (Exiles)
23. Matt Richards – (Sharks)
24. Stephen Ferguson – (Exiles)
25. Esekaia Dranibota – (Harlequins)

UAE Coaching Staff

• Jacques Benade (Head Coach)
• Aaron Persico (Forwards Coach)
• DuRandt Gerber (Backs Coach)
• Apollo Perelini (Director of Rugby)