France Secures Autumn Campaign Victory Against Argentina

French wingers Gabin Villiere (left) and Louis Bielle-Biarrey (right) each scored a try in France’s triumph over Argentina. The final score was France 37 (halftime 30) to Argentina 23 (halftime 9). France’s points were accumulated from tries by Flament, Villiere, a Penalty Try, and Bielle-Biarrey, with Ramos adding 3 conversions and 3 penalties. Argentina’s points resulted from tries by Gallo and Ruiz, alongside 2 conversions and 3 penalties from Albornoz. France achieved a comfortable victory in Paris, thereby avenging their summer defeat by Argentina and extending their winning streak in the Autumn Nations Series. Thibaud Flament powered over from close range, giving the host nation an early advantage, but Tomas Albornoz’s successful kicks kept the Pumas within contention. Gabin Villiere concluded a fluid French attacking sequence for their second try. Shortly after, Juan Martin Gonzalez was sent to the sin bin for deliberately knocking on the ball when Louis Bielle-Biarrey was in a prime position to score a third. However, France’s momentum was not halted; they were awarded a penalty try before the half-time whistle at Stade de France, establishing a significant 30-9 lead. The Pumas, who had been narrowly defeated by Ireland in their previous match, regrouped after the break. They were initially held up over the try line before Thomas Gallo eventually crossed for their first try. Bielle-Biarrey showcased his skill at the opposing end, latching onto his own kick through to score his 10th Test try in 14 appearances, which restored France’s lead. Argentina maintained their resolve, and replacement Ignacio Ruiz scored a powerful consolation try. Nevertheless, France secured their sixth win in their last seven encounters against the South American team. Les Bleus, whose most recent defeat was a 33-25 loss to Argentina in Buenos Aires in July, have now won all three of their autumn fixtures, following earlier victories against Japan and New Zealand. Speaking to TNT Sports, France lock Emmanuel Meafou stated: “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.” The starting lineup for France included: Barre; Villiere, Fickou, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey; Ramos, Dupont; Gros, Mauvaka, Atonio, Flament, Meafou, Cros, Boudehent, Ollivon. Replacements were: Marchand, Wardi, Colombe, Roumat, Guillard, Gazzotti, Le Garrec, Gailleton. Argentina’s starting XV comprised: Mallia; Isgro, Cinti, Moroni, Delguy; Albornoz, Garcia; Gallo, Montoya, Sclavi, Petti, Rubiolo, Matera, Gonzalez, Oviedo. The replacements were: Ruiz, Calles, Kodela, Molina, Kremer, Velez, S Carreras, M Carreras.