Argentina's Federico Martin Aramburu (left) escapes a tackle from France's Jerome Thion to score a try during their third-place play-off Rugby World Cup match at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris yesterday. - ReutersPARIS (Reuters):

Argentina ended the World Cup the way they had started it - running in five tries to tame France 34-10 in an ill-tempered third-place play-off at the Parc des Princes yesterday.

The Pumas, who defeated the hosts in the opening game of the tournament, did it again to secure their sixth win from the last seven meetings against opponents they love to upset.

Their five tries, including two from centre Felipe Contepomi, enabled Argentina to sign off in style after a brilliant run which also included wins over Ireland and Scotland. The victory was no conso-lation for Argentina after their semi-final defeat by South Africa, but a suitable conclusion to a campaign that saw them reach the last four for the first time.

Frustrating campaign

France, who were denied a place in today's final by England, ended a frustrating campaign with a nervous display in a tense game marred by many ugly scenes. They had to be content with a second-half try by fullback Clement Poitrenaud, converted by substitute flyhalf Lionel Beauxis, and an early penalty from scrumhalf Jean-Baptiste Elissalde.

An infringement by the Pumas in a ruck gave France that penalty, which Elissalde kicked to put them ahead on the scoreboard after 18 minutes.

Argentina levelled soon after that, with a penalty by Contepomi, who then touched down in the left corner after a fluent move by the Pumas' backline for the first try of the match, which he converted to put his side 10-3 up on the half hour.

A collective effort by the Argentine forwards gave them a second try between the posts by prop Omar Hasan and an easy conversion for Contepomi which enabled Argentina to change ends leading 17-3.

France camped near Argentina's tryline in the closing stages of the half but were not rewarded and referee Paul Honiss, who struggled to keep a messy affair under control, distributed two yellow cards just before the break.