Summary

  • France beat Argentina 23-21 at Tokyo Stadium

  • Lopez drop-goal secures France win first match in Pool C (England's group)

  • Fickou and Dupont tries gave France 20-3 half-time lead

  • Pagadizaval & Montoya score for Argentina in second half

  • Australia fought back to beat Fiji earlier

  • Champions New Zealand face South Africa in Pool B at 10:45 BST

  1. Goodbye!published at 10:28 British Summer Time 21 September 2019

    FT: France 23-21 Argentina

    That's it from me - thanks for joining our coverage this morning.

    So France have began their World Cup campaign with victory after holding off a spirited Argentinian comeback.

    You can read the full match report here.

    Remember, you can stay tuned to the final game of the day here as New Zealand open their campaign against South Africa.

    Until next time...

    France celebrateImage source, Getty Images
  2. What's to come?published at 10:25 British Summer Time 21 September 2019

    New Zealand v South Africa (10:45 BST)

    If the first two games have whet your appetite for more World Cup rugby, then fear not, arguably the biggest game of the day is yet to come.

    Defending champions New Zealand begin their campaign against one of the favourites to claim their crown, South Africa.

    You can follow that one here.

    New Zealand fansImage source, Getty Images
    South Africa fansImage source, PA Media
  3. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 10:20 British Summer Time 21 September 2019

    Text 81111 (UK only).

    France can't play well for 80 minutes.

    Ben, Manchester

  4. Postpublished at 10:17 British Summer Time 21 September 2019

    FT: France 23-21 Argentina

    When you overturn a 20-3 deficit to take the lead, before losing the match to a late drop-kick...

    Argentina playersImage source, Reuters

    There will be a few bruised bodies in both camps tonight!

  5. 'Beware the Pumas'published at 10:13 British Summer Time 21 September 2019

    FT: France 23-21 Argentina

    Bobby Skinstad
    Former South Africa captain on BBC Radio 5 Live

    Argentina have a little bit of egg on their face because they have beaten France enough times before but now they have to repair the damage. Any other team that has to face them - look out!

  6. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 10:08 British Summer Time 21 September 2019

    #bbcrugby

    Andrew: Nothing like a celebratory brawl at the FT whistle. A battle throughout.

  7. 'France delighted, Argentina devastated'published at 10:07 British Summer Time 21 September 2019

    FT: France 23-21 Argentina

    Bobby Skinstad
    Former South Africa captain on BBC Radio 5 Live

    France are delighted but Argentina absolutely devastated.

    England are an outstanding team but this Argentina team have everything to play for and will throw everything at England in a very difficult pool.

  8. Postpublished at 10:06 British Summer Time 21 September 2019

    FT: France 23-21 Argentina

    There was a little skirmish after the full-time whistle with emotions heightened, but it all ends rather quickly and the celebrations for France can begin.

    What a Test match and what a start to the 2019 World Cup.

    We'll have more of where that came from please!

  9. Full-time - France 23-21 Argentinapublished at 10:03 British Summer Time 21 September 2019

    Argentina collect the long kick from France and they're off for one final attack.

    They roll through the phases but they know any mistake now will end the contest.

    The ball is stolen and France kick the ball off the field, to the delight of everyone in blue.

    ...Aaaaaand breathe!

  10. Missed penaltypublished at 79 mins

    France 23-21 Argentina

    Benjamin Urdapilleta gives it an almighty nudge but the penalty goes just wide.

    France touch down behind their line before the clocks goes into the red.

    But they are told by the referee that they cannot kick the ball dead. Argentina will have a another chance.

  11. Postpublished at 79 mins

    France 23-21 Argentina

    Gael Fickou gives away a ridiculous penalty and Argentina WILL GO FOR THE POSTS.

    The Tokyo Stadium takes a breath.

    All eyes are on Benjamin Urdapilleta...

  12. 'What a miss!'published at 09:59 British Summer Time 21 September 2019

    France 23-21 Argentina

    Sara Orchard
    BBC Radio 5 Live rugby commentator

    What a moment to miss! Ntamack has kicked ones far easier than that in this match.

  13. Missed penaltypublished at 77 mins

    France 23-21 Argentina

    Is the weight of expectation too much to bear for Romain Ntamack?

    The pressure tells as the youngster drags his kick wide and the French supporters let out a collective groan.

    Less than three minutes for Argentina to respond.

    On we go...

  14. Postpublished at 76 mins

    France 23-21 Argentina

    Argentina are guilty of stepping in at the side deep inside their own half and experienced operator Louis Picamoles gets his hands on the ball to give his side a breather.

    France will have a shot at goal.

  15. Is history repeating itself?published at 09:55 British Summer Time 21 September 2019

    France 20-21 Argentina

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  16. Postpublished at 74 mins

    France 23-21 Argentina

    It's frantic in the Japanese capital now.

    Argentina have the line-out but Louis Picamoles intercepts the ball and France are off.

    The replacement Frenchman looks offside but play goes on as Camille Lopez prods through to pin Argentina in their own half.

    Tension on the faces of the both sets of supporters now.

  17. 'Massive last 10'published at 09:52 British Summer Time 21 September 2019

    France 23-21 Argentina

    Bobby Skinstad
    Former South Africa captain on BBC Radio 5 Live

    If you assume England will top the group one of these teams will probably be going home before the quarter-finals. It's a massive last 10 minutes.

  18. Penalty - France 23-21 Argentinapublished at 71 mins

    Camille Lopez

    Hold the front door!

    France are back in front as we tick into the final 10 minutes after replacement Camille Lopez drops into the pocket and pops over a drop kick.

    The ball just goes over the posts but France won't care as they retake the lead.

  19. Penalty - France 20-21 Argentinapublished at 68 mins

    Benjamin Urdapilleta

    ARGENTINA ARE IN FRONT.

    Benjamin Urdapilleta kicks the penalty with supreme confidence.

    Can the Pumas hold on for the final 10 minutes as they look to complete a famous comeback?

    Benjamin UrdapilletaImage source, Reuters
  20. Postpublished at 67 mins

    France 20-18 Argentina

    Hang on.

    We are having a TMO review as Emiliano Boffelli appears to drag down Damian Penaud before Santiago Carreras collects the ball.

    The referee is happy with it and play goes on as Benjamin Urdapilleta prepares to take a penalty.

    Can Argentina take the lead for the first time?