FRANCE restored some pride with a tight but muchawaited 27-26 win over Argentina in a fiercely contested international yesterday. Going into the game hurting from back-to-back defeats by the All Blacks, France struggled but managed to beat the team they will face on the same Stade de France pitch in the opening game of the World Cup next September.

France, who had lost their previous four games against Argentina and had not beaten the emerging power in world rugby since 1999, scored three tries including two by speedy winger Christophe Dominici and 12 points from the boot of scrum-half Dimitri Yachvili.

The Pumas, who recorded their first win over England at Twickenham two weeks ago before overcoming Italy last weekend, scored two secondhalf tries through number eight Gonzalo Longo and fullback Juan Martin Hernandez. Two penalties by out-half Federico Todeschini and two more as well as two conversions from centre Felipe Contepomi, who took over at number 10, completed their side of the scoreline.

France showed touches of their trademark flair but suffered in the second half against determined opponents, who came dramatically close to another upset.

The game showed France had plenty of work to do before the World Cup and confirmed Argentina were strong enough to stretch any opponents. The Pumas looked more aggressive than their hosts at first and were rewarded when Todeschini put them ahead from a penalty after 10 minutes.

France responded swiftly, Dominici running through the visitors' defence to score the first try six minutes later.

Yachvili converted to give the home side a 7-3 lead. Todeschini and Yachvili had traded further penalties when Argentina's number 10 limped off. Launched by an astute Yachvili pass, centre Florian Fritz then touched down in the left corner for France's second try which Yachvili converted. A missed penalty by Yachvili and a converted one from Contepomi meant the teams changed ends with France leading 17-9.

France resumed their march forward after the break, Dominici picking up a ball dropped by number eight Elvis Vermeulen to score his second try, which Yachvili converted. The home side looked in control but after conceding another Yachvili penalty, the Pumas staged a remarkable comeback.

The powerful Longo resisted two tackles to score a try converted by Contepomi, who scored from a penalty shortly afterwards. Creative fullback Hernandez then showed his class by latching on to a ball kicked low by Contepomi to race over the line. Contepomi's conversion put Argentina just one point adrift but France resisted in a tense finale to retain their lead.

FRANCE Elhorga; Heymans, Fritz, Jauzion, Dominici; Traille, Yachvili; Milloud, Ibanez (capt), de Villiers; Nallet, Pape; Bonnaire, Martin, Elvis Vermeulen.

ARGENTINA Hernandez; Piossek, Manuel Contepomi, Felipe Contepomi, Corleto;

Todeschini, Pichot (capt); Scelzo, Ledesma, Hasan; Fernandez Lobbe, Albacete; Durand, Lobbe, Longo.

Referee T Spreadbury (England)