Pumas pounce as French suffer opening night jitters

IF ONE was in any doubt about the size of the task facing Ireland in qualifying from the pool of death, then last night’s shock victory by Argentina over France emphasised the point. The prospect of points difference now deciding this pool looks an even greater possibility.

In that context, one wonders just how important the last-minute penalty miss by Argentina’s Felipe Contepomi, which would have denied France a losing bonus point by virtue of an eight-point defeat, could yet prove crucial in separating the top-three sides.

Never before has the host nation lost an opening game in the world cup, and while the organisers will be fearful for the knock-on effect from the temperamental French supporters, one can only applaud the Herculean performance from an outstanding Argentinian side.

This was a victory fashioned from the soul. Despite their current ranking of sixth in the world, Argentina feel unappreciated.

France, perhaps buoyed by their outstanding form in their build-up to the tournament, chose to run from the off without committing Argentina up front. In response, the Pumas produced one of the greatest defensive performances of all time. Their pressure defence from their set piece and their scramble defence from broken play was unbelievable.

The one prerequisite for a French victory was their ability to produce quick ball. Unfortunately for them, it never materialised.

The French were devoured at the breakdown and frustrated in their attempts to put width on the game.

While one must pay enormous credit to Argentina, once again the French flattered to deceive when the expectations were greatest. From the off, they made far too many handling errors and it was clear that they were suffering from opening night jitters.

Argentina were in the perfect position to capitalise on those mistakes. Despite flashes of brilliance from Ignacio Corleto and Felipe Contepomi, Argentina’s ambition behind the scrum was confined to six drop-goal attempts, none of which were successful. Despite the change in personnel at outhalf, Juan Martin Hernandez showed limited ambition with ball in hand as coach Marcelo Loffreda stuck to his traditional game plan.

The result justified that decision.

The most surprising aspect of the evening was the manner in which France dominated the Argentinian scrum on occasions but a poor display at number eight from Imenol Harinordoquy failed to take advantage of this.

When French coach Bernard Laporte was forced into changes on 60 minutes resulting in the withdrawal of captain Raphael Ibanez and vice captain Fabien Pelous, France lacked leadership.

While Sebastian Chebal made an impact, alas, it was not enough.

This result means that France must now beat Ireland on Friday week to stay in the competition. The prospect of points difference now resolving the pool is extremely bad news for Namibia and Georgia.

Argentina are in pole position and with the two minnows on the horizon and three weeks to build for the Irish challenge, knowing victory will see them top the pool.

If the rest of this tournament is anything like the opening 80 minutes, we’re in for some six weeks.