The Ukraine-born attacker netted on 62 minutes with a volley which he bounced over Werder keeper Tim Wiese from a tight angle after Felix Bastians' cross.

Rukavytsya might have added a second on 74 minutes after Pierre-Michel Lasogga's good work, but fired wide.

The result ends Hertha's 12-game winless run in new boss Otto Rehhagel's second game in charge.

Rukavytsya wasn't the only Aussie on the scoresheet overnight, with Mile Jedinak opening his Crystal Palace account with the winner in their 1-0 victory over Peterborough in England's Championship.

Jedinak struck on 76 minutes after pouncing on a fumble from Posh keeper Paul Jones and swivelling to find the back of the net.

Earlier Jedinak had a penalty shout turned down shortly before half-time, while his second-half downward header forced a good save from Jones.

Elsewhere in the Championship, Rhys Williams was sent off as Middlesbrough won 3-1 at financially-embattled Portsmouth.

Williams saw red deep into stoppage-time, earning his second booking.

In England's Premier League, Socceroo Tim Cahill had a half volley hit the crossbar early on as Everton drew 1-1 at QPR.

Elsewhere, Chris Herd made his first start since December following an ankle injury as Aston Villa drew 1-1 at Blackburn.