France beat Argentina to wrap up perfect autumn series

PARIS – France wrapped up their autumn nations series in style with a 37-23 victory against Argentina for their third win in as many rugby tests at the Stade de France on Nov 22.

Six days after beating New Zealand 30-29, Fabien Galthie’s side were never in real trouble against the Pumas, with a penalty try and tries by Thibaud Flament, Gabin Villiere and Louis Bielle-Biarrey while Thomas Ramos had another perfect kicking day with 15 points.

Argentina scored second-half tries by Thomas Gallo and Ignacio Ruiz, with Tomas Albornoz kicking the rest of their points, but lacked discipline to challenge Les Bleus a week after a 22-19 loss to Ireland.

France, who also beat Japan in their first outing earlier in November, will now be the favourites for the Six Nations, which starts on Jan 31.

Coach Galthie drew positives from the series, with a lot of turnover, after France were the only team from the northern hemisphere to win all their tests.

“We had decided to make changes because this test was coming only six days after the All Blacks,” he said.

“There is a lot of competition in this squad and it’s good for everyone. We had a weird year after the World Cup but for this series we had the best possible team of the moment,” he added, already looking towards the 2027 World Cup.

“Until then we only have 30 tests. It seems a lot but it’s coming quickly.”

Argentina put the early pressure, working through the phases to wear down the French defence but the hosts held firm and were first on the scoreboard when Flament powered over.

Albornoz then kicked three penalties as Argentina gradually reduced the arrears to 13-9.

But France were on the attack again and Villiere dived over after a long domination spell and Ramos converted to extend the lead to 11 points.

It was 27-9 shortly afterwards and France were 30-11 ahead at half-time.

Just like against Ireland a week ago, Argentina did not give up and pulled a try back when Gallo bundled over, only for France to dash their hopes of a comeback with Bielle-Biarrey collecting his own grazing kick for France’s fourth try.

The Argentina forwards kept France under pressure, however, and Ruiz touched down as Les Bleus suffered physically. But the hosts’ defence held firm to preserve a deserved win, with a couple of dodgy lineouts the only weakness they showed on the night.

“We are frustrated. In the first half we were not able to carry out what we wanted from a strategic point of view, and that is expensive against very high-level teams,” said Argentina coach Felipe Contepomi.

“There was a lot of indiscipline in the game, something that we were able to improve in the second half. These are things that need to be improved.” REUTERS