France have proved too strong for Argentina, winning their clash 37-23 at the Stade de France. -AP
France have punished an indisciplined Argentina to post a 37-23 victory and sweep their three autumn rugby Tests.
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France's first-half tries on Friday came from lock Thibaud Flament and right winger Gabin Villière, as Les Tricolores went into the break 30-9 up thanks to a penalty try.
Left winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey added a try in the second half while prop Thomas Gallo and replacement hooker Ignacio Ruiz crossed for Argentina, who rallied to 37-23 with 10 minutes left but ran out of time at Stade de France.
Fabien Galthié's side scored freely in the three Tests, routing Japan 52-12 before edging New Zealand 30-29.
The Pumas beat France in July in Buenos Aires but they have not won in France for 10 years.
Despite an early harsh-looking yellow card to captain Julian Montoya, Argentina were in the contest at 13-9 down after 30 minutes. Then the Pumas were hit with a second yellow to flanker Juan Martin Gonzalez, coupled with the penalty try, as French pressure told.
The second half was better from Argentina and an attacking lineout led to Gallo's try, which flyhalf Tomas Albornoz converted. But hopes of a comeback were dashed moments later when Bielle-Biarrey chased down his own kick in the left corner.
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