Argentina beat France in World Cup opener

Argentina have caused a major upset in their opening World Cup clash with host nation France.

The Pumas blew Pool D wide open by ruining Les Bleus' planned Stade de France party with a 17-12 victory.

Full-back Ignacio Corleto, who plays his club rugby in Paris with Stade Francais, scored a spectacular first-half interception try.

And former Bristol fly-half Felipe Contepomi, playing in the centre alongside his brother Manuel, kicked four penalties as Argentina built a 17-9 interval lead.

France managed four David Skrela penalties in reply.

Argentina failed to score after the 34th minute, and although France were guilty of some dreadful handling and kicking errors, the Pumas thoroughly deserved the greatest victory in their Test history.

Skipper Agustin Pichot, a club colleague of Corleto's, led from the front, while Argentina's revered forwards ensured France could never establish momentum up-front.

Centre Damien Traille and wing Aurelien Rougerie proved France's biggest attacking threats.

But nerves gripped the French performance as Argentina kept their shape and composure after Corleto's try hoisted them 14-3 in front.

A capacity crowd at the Stade de France did its utmost to lift their heroes out of the doldrums, but not even the 60th minute arrival of substitute Sebastien Chabal could make a difference.

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