Rukavytsya started and played 83 minutes in the victory which was sealed thanks to goals from Peter Niemeyer and Ronny.

The Australia international was busy throughout the game and almost added to his 10 assists for the season when his 64th-minute cross teed up Raffael but his shot hit the post.

The result moves Hertha four points clear of second-placed Augsburg, but more importantly seven points clear of third-placed Bochum with five games to play.

The top two in Germany's 2.Bundesliga are automatically promoted, while third faces a playoff tie against the 16th-placed side from the top flight.