Pro D2 – 26th day: improved success of Agen against Rouen (31-10), keeping in sight
It was the final of the maintenance for the Agency this Friday evening. And Raphaël Lagarde’s teammates delivered the match they needed to win it in a very good way. Seductive at first, then courageous.
The terrible gusts of wind that swept Armandie lengthwise would certainly be one of the keys to the encounter. The wind, precisely, deceived the yet skilful Martin Devergie on the kick-off. But his teammates, very aggressive defensively, quickly made up for the lack of hand of number eight from Agenais.
Jostling the Normans, the Agenais went up all the ground by hand in the wake of Tevita Railevu. Which materialized the first opportunity for his team by winning his duel at the end of the line (7-0, 8th). The ramp up from the Agen staff this week had its effect. Unleashed, the Lot-et-Garonnais won all the collisions, were effective on the balls carried and picked up complaints in spades. Also, and above all, they were effective in the brand zone. Served by Lagarde, Tolot passed the line in the 20th minute to create a first break in score (14-0). Despite the wind against.
A finally realistic Agen in the first period
On a huge breakthrough from the rear of Agenais, Costa committed a fault on the ground to save his line. New brand opportunity for the SUA and new test, behind a maul, from Zarantonello (28th). The addition began to turn salty, especially since the wind did not bother Lagarde in his transformations.
The copy turned to more than perfect but… An error from the Agen rearguard at the very end of the period which benefited Megdoud (21-7, 38th). Then Lydon inscribed a sensibility on the siren. Rouen was doing well thanks to the late-period relaxation of the SUA.
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REPLAY. Pro D2 – 26th day: Agen dominates Rouen and takes a decisive step towards maintaining (31-10)! Relive the film of the match
From the start, the message from the locals was clear: get the offensive bonus to move away a little more from the red zone, to get closer to a maintenance that will soon be mathematical. But for a quarter of an hour, Arnaud Duputs’ teammates confused speed and haste, wasting a great opportunity in the 48th minute on a high ball. Sonatane Takulua, holder yesterday in place of Paul Graou, then spoke about his experience and the explosiveness of his amazing calves. Seeing an error of mark of the Norman defense at the level of a ruck, he started and put the last defender to sleep to put his team back in the nails of the bonus (28-10, 56th).
14 points ahead of Bourg-en-Bresse
In the process, the SUA confirmed its control by controlling the reaction of the RNR. A boxed maul three meters from their line (63rd), then a scraped ball in their 22 meters (65th). In the ground game in particular, the Agenais excelled last night. One of the reasons for their great victory.
But the precious offensive bonus was still not secured. And Rouen, pride did not give up. But at each attempt, the Agen defense remained intractable, jealously guarding its three tries lead.
If the second half was much less successful than the first, Bernard Goutta could have a smile. This improved success opens the doors of a maintenance in Pro D2 to his team. Because at the same time, Bourg-en- La Bresse fell with honors in Bayonne. The SUA is now 14 points ahead of the relegation zone. A club and a city can breathe. And think, a little more calmly, in the future.