FRANCE coach Bernard Laporte has issued a defiant message that Les Bleus can "still play a key role" in the World Cup despite a stunning opening game defeat against Argentina.
If France are to be crowned world champions for the first time, they will need to make tournament history with no team ever winning the competition after losing the opening match, but that is the challenge now awaiting Laporte's players after Argentina triumphed 17-12.
Pumas full-back Ignacio Corleto, who plays his club rugby in Paris with Stade Francais, scored an interception try that helped Argentina establish a 17-6 lead and four Felipe Contepomi penalties also played their part as Laporte said: "At least we got a losing bonus point. We won't let our heads drop - France will still play a key role in this World Cup."
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