Laporte defiant despite defeat

France coach Bernard Laporte has issued a defiant message that Les Bleus can “still play a key role” in the World Cup despite a stunning opening game defeat against Argentina.

If France are to be crowned world champions for the first time, they will need to make tournament history.

No team has ever won the competition after losing the opening match, but that is the challenge now awaiting Laporte’s players after Argentina triumphed 17-12.

Pumas full-back Ignacio Corleto, who plays his club rugby in Paris with Stade Francais, scored an interception try that helped Argentina establish a 17-6 lead.

Four Felipe Contepomi penalties also played their part in keeping France at bay, and a shocked Laporte struggled to comprehend the enormity of his team’s Pool D loss.

He said: “At least we got a losing bonus point.

“We won’t let our heads drop – France will still play a key role in this World Cup.

“We were fragile, and we couldn’t cope with the pressure. Players didn’t shoulder that pressure – they were jittery on the field – and we didn’t hold the ball.”