Nicolas Sanchez inspires Argentina to Paris glory

Seven years ago, Argentina famously shocked France at their home World Cup and the South American nation once again found the Stade de France to be a happy hunting ground.

Sanchez slotted a pair of penalties and three drop-goals - Juan Martin Hernandez, who moved to inside centre to accommodate his colleague at fly-half also dropping for three points during the first half - as Argentina racked up a handy 18-3 advantage.

Hernandez's opposite number Wesley Fofana crashed over for a 56th-minute score to reduce the arrears and a dogged visiting defence held up Scott Spedding to deny France a match-squaring try and probable victory in a controversial and dramatic finale.

Returning Argentina captain Agustin Creevy helped his team make an ideal start, winning a penalty within 30 seconds that Sanchez sent over.

Argentina thought they had a fifth-minute try through Juan Imhoff but the television match official correctly ruled he was in touch before Sanchez slotted his first drop to double the lead.

Spedding hit the upright with a long-range penalty effort but a tireless display from Argentina's forwards was making for a gruelling night for the hosts. Sanchez and Hernandez ensured it was 15-0 with half an hour played.

France stand-off Camille Lopez got his team on the board after Argentina pulled down a maul but, as both sets of players departed for half-time in a hail of ill-tempered pushing and shoving, last weekend's triumph over Australia seemed a long time ago for Philippe Saint-Andre's team.

A long-range penalty miss in the 45th minute blotted Sanchez's performance but he nailed another sweetly struck drop-goal two minutes later.

France's work with the boot left plenty to be desired as replacement Rory Kockott recorded their third miss from the tee but they were firmly back in the contest when Fofana scored after Yoann Huget was stopped short of the line.

A 64th-minute penalty from Kockott followed and Argentina were forced to dig deep - never more so than in the final seconds.

Touch judge Steve Walsh ruled Spedding was held up as wave after wave of France attacks attempted to punch a way through Argentina.

But the TMO was not consulted and referee George Clancy blew for full time even though he was playing advantage for a France penalty - sparking joyous celebrations from Argentina and lengthy protests from the home team.