Drop goal key for France

France withstood a ferocious second-half comeback from Argentina to win 23-21 in a tension-filled World Cup group opener on Saturday. After Argentina rallied from 20-3 down at halftime to lead by one point, France first-five Camille Lopez landed a priceless dropped goal to restore their lead with 11 minutes left. Argentina had a chance to win it with a last-minute, longrange penalty attempt, but a tactical switch proved the wrong move as Emiliano Boffelli replaced Benjam´ın Urdapilleta – who had landed the previous two penalties with assurance – and missed from 47 metres.

France 23 (Gael Fickou, Antoine Dupont tries; Romain Ntmack 2 con, 2 pen, Camille Lopez drop goal) Argentina 21 (Guido Petti, Julia´n Montoya tries; Nicola´s Sa´nchez con, pen, Benjam´ın Urdapilleta 2 pen).

■ On Friday, Kotaro Matsushima scored a hattrick of tries as host Japan overcame a strong bout of nerves before overwhelming unfancied Russia 30-10 in the opening match. Matsushima became Japan’s first World Cup hat-trick scorer. The pacy right winger’s finishing proved the difference as Japan was otherwise very sloppy against a lowly ranked but tenacious Russia.

Today’s match: 10:15pm, Wales v Georgia.