From a Top 14-style shock, the match between Agen and Oyonnax became a Pro D2 contest. And again, at the bottom of the rankings where the main issue will be to know, at the end of this Friday, December 6 (7:30 p.m.), which collective will lift their heads a little above water. “It’s a crucial match,” says pillar Alex Burin. It won’t be the same championship if you lose. »
Turning point in Armandie
Agenais and Oyomen are walking a tightrope at the end of the year with on one side the precipice of the red zone and, on the other, the soft stomach suddenly becoming a little more reassuring after conceding a fourth defeat in a row, in Béziers for Agen (34-24) and against Stade Montois (24-30) for “Oyo”. “The project is not in danger,” recalls Agenes manager Sébastien Calvet, one of whose missions, if not the main one, is indeed to rebuild a competitive team. Which cannot be done in one day, nor in thirteen days. On condition, however, that you leave the struggle to stay behind and concentrate on the progress made by your group.
“There is an advantage to be had at home. We are going to receive more often, it is up to us to make it a positive turning point”
“Reassured” by the good behavior of his men in conquest with a big melee and a sovereign touch, and by a propensity to take up the physical challenge while two of his chief warriors (John Madigan and Arnaud Duputs) are injured, the technician has a work base upon returning from the trip to Hérault. Enough to project onto the sequence of four receptions which awaits his team during the next five matches, and which is inaugurated by the arrival of the relegated Top 14, before that of Aurillacois (December 13), Provençaux (January 10, 2025) and Biarrots ( January 17, 2025). “There is an advantage to be had in Armandie. We will receive more often, it is up to us to turn it into a positive turning point. »
Heavy extra-sporting context
Message received by a group which, like center Théo Belan returning to the group after an Achilles tendon injury, only thinks about performing. “I don’t know a professional player who is happy to have lost. On the contrary, this little pressure makes you want to redeem yourself even more. We have identified our faults, it is up to us to work on them, to progress. Through work, we move more quickly. »
As a matter of change, the visitors were able to spare themselves the long drive from Ain by traveling by plane, but the week was not easy. Since Monday, December 2, third line Rory Grice and center Christopher Farrell have been appearing alongside three other co-defendants (including former Agenais Dylan Hayes and Loick Jammes) before the Gironde assizes, the first for alleged acts of rape in meeting and the second for failure to prevent a crime when they wore the Grenoble jersey, in March 2017. If these two players are not present in the group this Friday, Joe El Abd’s men will have to ignore a heavy extra-sporting context.
The composition: the fifteen (almost) renewed, the bench (half) changed.
With the exception of winger Lucas Martins replaced by Loris Tolot, the Agen staff decided to trust the XV which started in Béziers and which held the score until the 54e minute. The Portuguese international thus leaves his place on the field to slide onto a bench which, for his part, could not do anything to prevent the improved victory (34-24) for the Héraultais. Only the Beau Farrance pillar, the 2e or 3e line Vincent Farré and scrum half Jack Maunder save their place as finishers. Aux Pierre Jouvin (hooker), Florent Guion (left pillar), Fotu Lokotui (3e center line) and Théo Belan (center) to bring more than their predecessors. Facing them, the Haut-Bugiens find their captain Maëlan Rabut in the center and put confidence in their hinge fond of high balls who had officiated during the home defeat against Stade Montois (24-30). Former Agenais Antoine Miquel will hold his place well on the wing of the 3e ligne.
