La Rochelle made it back-to-back wins on the road in the Amlin Challenge Cup as they took full control of Pool 5 with a 28-17 victory over compatriots Agen last night.

A strong second half performance at the Stade Alfred Armandie put La Rochelle in pole position for quarter final qualification with their destiny in their own hands with one game remaining.

It was the visitors who struck first with centre Thomas Combezou crossing after 11 minutes and full-back Greg Goosen added the extras.

Brice Mach levelled the scores with a try of his own five minutes later and Florent Cazeaux kicked the conversion.

Goosen kicked two penalties to restore La Rochelle’s advantage mid way through the first period, before Agen wing Salmoni Vaka touched down for the home side’s second try. Cazeaux converted and added a penalty on the stroke of half-time to give his side a 17 – 13 lead at the break.

There was no change in the scores until the final quarter when Goosen reduced the deficit by three points with his third penalty.

Two tries in quick succession by replacements, Stephane Clement and then Alexandre Bares secured the victory for La Rochelle.

After a nine-year absence from European rugby the side based on the Atlantic coast, look set to feature in the knock-out stages which begin on the weekend of 7/8/9 April 2011.