Would you believe it. Hosts France were humbled by the Pumas in a game that has thrown the tournament wide open.

The hosts looked very nervous in the opening exchanges, rushing their play at times while taking too much time at others. Argentina played a simple game plan, keeping the ball tight in the forwards and putting in a number of high kicks which the French did not handle well all game.

France's forward pack was on the back foot for most of the game and struggled to give their back line any ball going forward. When the backs did get the ball, they squandered their chances with poor handling and awful options.

'The French began to panic, trying to attack from all corners of the park and taking more and more bad options on attack'


The visitors showed their intentions early on attempting two drop goals inside the first three minutes, however both missed. The scoring was eventually opened in the fifth minute by Felipe Conteponi with a penalty goal which was answered by his French opposite David Skrela two minutes later.

As the teams settled into their work it was Argentina who achieved the upper hand, partly through their game plan and partly due to a number of poor options by France. Conteponi kept the scoreboard ticking over with penalties in the 10th and 24th minutes as his team enjoyed a two-to-one territory advantage.

The opening try of the World Cup came at the 27-minute mark as France made a telling break in midfield, only to see the ball intercepted by Argentinian winger Lucas Borges to run in for the score by fullback Ignacio Corleto. Conceding the try sparked the home side into action and they enjoyed their own period of dominance, closing the gap via another Skrela penalty goal.

The half came to a close with Conteponi and Skrela exchanging penalties and Argentina went into the break up 17-9, silencing the massive home crowd who were sensing an upset.

The second half began as the first half ended, with neither side able to gain the ascendancy and the match becoming something of a stalemate. France were able to create some chances and both Skrela and his replacement Frederic Michalak missed simple penalty attempts, although Skrela did land a penalty goal in the 60th minute.

The French began to panic, trying to attack from all corners of the park and taking more and more bad options on attack. Argentina tired noticeably late in the game, but were able to dig deep and defend heroically and, despite Conteponi missing two late penalties, the Pumas hung on for a famous win.

The victory sends Argentina to the top of Group D and gives them a good chance of moving through to the knock-out phase, while France must now beat Ireland on September 21 to have any chance of making the quarter finals.

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