France complete perfect Autumn Nations Series with victory over Argentina
France concluded their Autumn Nations Series campaign with a convincing victory over Argentina in Paris.
Thibaud Flament, Gabin Villiere and Louis Bielle-Biarrey all crossed for Les Bleus, who made it three wins from three in the series.
Julian Montoya was sent to the sin bin early on, and France capitalised on their numerical advantage in the 10th minute when Flament went over.
The boots of Thomas Ramos and Tomas Albornoz kept the scoreline ticking over, before Villiere crossed for the hosts’ second try on 34 minutes.
Juan Martin Gonzalez denied Bielle-Biarrey a certain third two minutes later, with the penalty try later awarded after the Argentina flanker was adjudged to have deliberately palmed the ball from his opponent’s grasp.
The Pumas trailed 30-9 at the break, but reduced the deficit in the 57th minute when a powerful surge culminated in Thomas Gallo forcing his way over.
However, France regained their 21-point advantage and, ultimately, put the contest to bed two minutes later, with Bielle-Biarrey chasing his own punt in behind the defence and touching down.
Argentina had the final word 10 minutes from time with Ignacio Ruiz stretching for the line, but it was too late to avoid a second successive defeat.
Talking Point – Three from three for France
Les Bleus brought the curtain down on their 2024 by rounding off a perfect Autumn Series.
After comfortably seeing off Eddie Jones’ Japan, Fabien Galthie’s side overturned a 17-10 deficit to edge out three-time world champions New Zealand 30-29 last weekend.
And they were very much in control of proceedings for large periods of their showdown with Argentina, whose exertions across the calendar year – including a gruelling Rugby Championship campaign – appeared to have taken their toll.
In just over two months’ time, France kick off the Six Nations against Wales on this ground, and they will do so with plenty of momentum behind them.
Player of the Match – Louis Bielle-Biarrey (France)
The winger’s blistering pace and creativity made him a threat every time he got his hands on the ball this evening.
A fine performance was capped by a superb try, for which he burst through the Argentina defence by chasing his own punt over the top of them, before touching down.
Player Ratings
France: Barre 8, Villiere 8, Fickou 7, Moefana 6, Bielle-Biarrey 8*, Ramos 7, Dupont 7; Gros 5, Mauvaka 6, Atonio 6, Flament 8, Meafou 7, Cros 7, Boudehent 6, Ollivon 7. Replacements: Marchand 6, Wardi 6, Colombe 6, Roumat 6, Guillard 6, Gazzotti 7, Le Garrec 6, Gailleton 7.
Argentina: Mallia 7, Isgro 6, Cinti 6, Moroni 6, Delguy 6, Albornoz 7, Garcia 6; Gallo 7, Montoya 6, Sclavi 7, Petti 6, Rubiolo 6, Matera 6, Gonzalez 6, Oviedo 6. Replacements: Ruiz 7, Calles 6, Kodela 6, Molina 6, Kremer 6, Bazan Velez 6, S. Carreras 6, M. Carreras 6.
Match Highlights
10′ TRY! FRANCE 7-0 ARGENTINA (FLAMENT): The hosts swiftly work the close-range lineout to perfection, with the lock powering his way over the line. Ramos makes no mistake converting five points into seven from just to the left of the posts.
34′ TRY! FRANCE 20-9 ARGENTINA (VILLIERE): The hosts grab their second try of the game! They prove too powerful as they surge towards the line. Barre eventually offloads to Villiere, who goes over. Ramos converts.
36′ PENALTY TRY! FRANCE 27-9 ARGENTINA: Bielle-Biarrey chases a punt towards the line, but is just beaten to the ball by Gonzalez, who palms it away. Following a TMO review, a penalty try is awarded and the Argentina flanker is sent to the bin.
57′ TRY! FRANCE 30-16 ARGENTINA (GALLO): The visitors have their first try of the game! Following another surge towards the French line, Gallo is the man who manages to get the ball down. Albornoz converts to close the gap to 14 points.
59′ TRY! FRANCE 37-16 ARGENTINA (BIELLE-BIARREY): A superb try by the winger! Indeed, charging down the left flank, he chases his own punt in behind the Argentina defence, before gathering and touching down. Ramos adds another two points.
70′ TRY! FRANCE 37-23 ARGENTINA (RUIZ): Argentina reduce the deficit, with Ruiz doing well to power through challenges and cross. Albornoz converts five points to seven from right in front of the posts.
Key Stats
Thomas Ramos took his international points tally to 379, moving him third on France’s all-time list.
Pablo Matera’s 109th cap moves him to within one of equalling Agustin Creevy’s all-time record for Argentina.
