Pro D2: a hat-trick from Iban Etcheverry allows SU Agen to secure its first improved victory against an Oyonnax with fourteen

Between two teams remaining on four defeats and needing to reassure themselves, we could expect a meeting that could be closed. Well, nope! This match starts with good intentions. But these are in favor of visitors.

After two Agen faults, the latter found themselves five meters from the line, but Peniami Narisia's throw into touch did not find the target (3rd). The SUA responds, benefiting in turn from a penalty, but the penetrating group around Santiago Socino fails in touch (8th).

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A red that changes everything

The Agenais are well in place. Dorian Bellot tries to set the pace, and the scrum half will be a victim. Veresa Ramotabua is guilty of the irreparable, turning the Agen number 9 on his head. Hervé Lasausa logically punishes him with a red card (12th).

In numerical superiority, Agen sets the pace, but makes a series of blunders. Worse, the pace drops. In this little game, Oyonnax took advantage and, from forty meters in front of the poles, Christopher Smith inaugurated the score (0-3, 24th). However, the SUA dominates.

Good work from Tomasi Fineanganofo allows Socino to launch in the interval, but Peyo Muscarditz commits a forward when picking up the ball in the ruck (28th). Then the Argentinian forgets the ball on the way after a good combination in touch (30th).

And Daniel Ikpefan annihilates an opportunity, costing him a yellow card (33rd). In double numerical superiority, Sporting finally pays itself, with Iban Etcheverry well shifted on his wing (7-3, 36th).

But, despite another big opportunity at the siren, the SUA veers with only a point lead at the break after a penalty from Smith (7-6, 40th). And it's very poorly paid.

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Fear at the start

Still two more on the field, Agen attacks the second act with desire. But Oyonnax still benefits from Lot-et-Garonne errors. Maëlan Rabut against Billy Searle and it's a hair's breadth away, and a return from Bellot, to avoid the worst, after video refereeing (43rd).

An action that re-energizes visitors who feel the need to play. Especially since Smith puts them back in the lead (7-9, 47th). Despite the hand faults and errors, the SUA attacked again. After a lot of work from the forwards, the ball arrives on the wing.

With a foot pass, the Englishman alerts Etcheverry for the double from the swift Basque winger (14-9, 56th). This test is good for the Agenais. Dominant, they step on the accelerator, wanting to ensure success, or even better success.

But, on a penalty from five meters, Socino does not find his jumper (62nd). But the locals are showing resilience. After a well-negotiated scrum, Searle, again, alerted Etcheverry with a splendid blind cross, releasing the Basque towards his hat-trick after a long race (21-9, 66th).

Despite a strong try from Loïc Godener, the Agenais will recover the offensive bonus at the very end of the match with an interception from Lucas Martins (28-14, 80th). A bonus point far from stolen for a reassuring SUA.