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FULLTIME: Argentina: 30 v France: 19
The Pumas discipline kept France in the game. The Pumas scored a great try to win at the end.
Pumas’ Best: Sánchez, Matera, Asa, Cordero, Petti
French Best: Bonfils, Goujon.
Historically France have dominated internationals against Argentina winning 34 of the previous 48 encounters between the countries. However the Pumas have won five of the last ten games and France are missing several top players. Can Argentina foil France again? Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:10am (AEST).
France was embarrassed by New Zealand in the quarter-finals of the World Cup and finished a lousy fifth in the Six Nations. Compounding their problems is the absence of many first choice players involved in the Top 14 semi-finals – featuring Clermont and Racing 92 and Toulon and Montpellier.
The final is scheduled to take place next weekend which means coach Guy Novès will be able to call up players from the losing semi-finalists but he will still be without players involved in the final.
With first-choice captain Guilhem Guirado involved with Toulon, Novès has appointed first-five Jules Plisson as captain. Plisson is 24 years old and will appear in his 11th test. He is seen as a big part of France’s future.
France have named seven debutants. In the backs wing Xavier Mignot, centre Julien Rey and scrum-half Baptiste Serin earn their first caps. Up front No.8 Kevin Gourdon, second row William Demotte, lock Julien Le Devedec and hooker Remi Bonfils are on debut.
Prop Rabah Slimani is one to watch. He is strong in the scrums and will have a mighty tussle with Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro.
Argentina has a settled look about their team. Nicolás Sánchez scored 20 points in the win against Italy and spearheads a backline that is gaining a reputition for playing fine attacking rugby.
Joaquin Tuculet, Santiago Cordero, Juan Martin Hernandez and Martín Landajo were all outstanding in the World Cup and have the ability to threaten any team.
Argentina are of course strong at scrum time, but keep an eye on exciting No.8 Facundo Isa, who has been one of the standout performers during a disappointing Jaguares Super Rugby campaign.
Argentina won the last test between the countries in 2014 by 18-13 in Saint-Denis and should prevail again.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:10am (AEST).
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.