Laport: Pumas will be no pushovers

France coach Bernard Laporte is expecting a tough encounter in their 2007 World Cup opener against Argentina.

The Pumas booked their place for the finals, which will be held in France, after defeating Uruguay 26-0 in Buenos Aires on Saturday.

That set up an opening clash with the hosts on September 7, 2007 at the Stade de France.

“We knew it would happen,” Laporte told L’Equipe.

“We felt we would play our opener against them. They have a great team and we know it will be very hard.

“We know most of their players since they play in the Top 14 (the French League) and that we will prepare them in our own league for the World Cup.”

Argentina coach Marcelo Loffreda, meanwhile, has paid tribute to the French league, which he believes has helped his internationals develop their rugby.

“It will be an honour for us to play our first match against France,” he added.

“(Playing in) France has helped us a lot in recent years and our players have progressed.

“It will be a great match because Argentina currently have one of our strongest teams ever.”

Since Laporte took charge of the national team in 1999, Les Bleus have never managed to beat the Pumas in four encounters.

France and Argentina have so far been joined in Group D by Ireland, with one European and one African team to be added once the qualifying stages are complete.