France beat Argentina 39-22 in Lille

Argentina's Marcelo Bosch bursts through to score the opening try of the match

French wing Vincent Clerc crossed twice in two minutes in the first period.

Two tries from Vincent Clerc and 24 points from the boot of Frederic Michalak gave France a 39-22 win over Argentina in Lille.

A pulsating first-half produced 37 points, including four tries, as France fought back from a fast start by Los Pumas.

Michalak kicked France 3-0 in front after just three minutes before Argentina came roaring back to lead 13-3.

An initial break from Gonzalo Tiesi allowed Marcelo Bosch to race under the posts for the game's opening try before Nicolas Sanchez added the extras and then kicked two penalties to establish a 10-point advantage for the visitors.

That lead lasted just four minutes however as French wing Vincent Clerc crossed for two tries in the space of two minutes, the first taking him past Philippe Saint-Andre in France's all-time try-scoring list.

Michalak converted both and made it three out of three when flanker Yannick Nyanga scorched to the line despite two defenders on his back in the 34th minute.

After 21 unanswered points put France 24-13 up at the break, Argentina needed a lift early in the second half and got it when Sanchez kicked a superb penalty.

That cut the gap to eight but they could never close it further as Sanchez, who ended with 17 points, and Michalak traded penalties and drops.

But with the score 30-22, it was France who finished the stronger and three more Michalak penalties ensured a comfortable final passage and gave the hosts two wins from two in November following their 33-6 rout of Australia.

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