Sports
FRANCE avenged their summer defeat by Argentina with a comfortable victory in Paris to maintain their winning run in the Autumn Nations Series.
Thibaud Flament powered over from close range to hand the hosts an early lead but the boot of Tomas Albornoz kept the Pumas in touching distance.
Gabin Villiere finished off a flowing French move for their second try before Juan Martin Gonzalez was sent to the sin bin for deliberately knocking on the ball with Louis Bielle-Biarrey poised to score a third.
France were not to be denied, however, and they were awarded a penalty try before reaching the interval at Stade de France with a healthy 30-9 lead.
The Pumas, who were narrowly edged out by Ireland in their last outing, recovered after the break and were held up over the line before Thomas Gallo crossed for their opening try.
Bielle-Biarrey showed his class at the other end to latch onto his own kick through and score his 10th Test try in 14 appearances to restore France’s advantage.
Argentina remained resolute and Ignacio Ruiz came off the bench to score a powerful consolation but France claimed their sixth win in their past seven meetings against the South American side.
Les Bleus, who last suffered defeat in July when they were beaten 33-25 by Argentina in Buenos Aires, have won all three autumn games after victories over Japan and New Zealand.
Speaking to TNT Sports, France lock Emmanuel Meafou said: “We knew it was going to be an 80-minute game. We saw last week how Argentina went all the way against a good Irish team.
“We are happy with the win. We have three from three [in the autumn] and we will look to build on that in the Six Nations next year.”
Line-ups
France: Barre; Villiere, Fickou, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey; Ramos, Dupont; Gros, Mauvaka, Atonio, Flament, Meafou, Cros, Boudehent, Ollivon.
Replacements: Marchand, Wardi, Colombe, Roumat, Guillard, Gazzotti, Le Garrec, Gailleton.
Argentina: Mallia; Isgro, Cinti, Moroni, Delguy; Albornoz, Garcia; Gallo, Montoya, Sclavi, Petti, Rubiolo, Matera, Gonzalez, Oviedo.
Replacements: Ruiz, Calles, Kodela, Molina, Kremer, Velez, S Carreras, M Carreras.
Photo Caption: Wingers Gabin Villiere (left) and Louis Bielle-Biarrey (right) both scored tries in France’s win over Argentina
Culled from BBC
23rd November, 2024.
C.E.
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