Argentina Stuns France to Level Series Despite Off-Field Controversies

Thomas Gallo's two second-half tries helped Argentina overcome France 33-25 in Buenos Aires, leveling their two-test rugby series. Despite leading early, France failed to maintain their advantage. The match was overshadowed by sexual assault charges against French players and a racism scandal involving Melvyn Jaminet.

Substitute prop Thomas Gallo scored a brace of second-half tries as Argentina twice rallied from behind to beat an inexperienced France side 33-25 in Buenos Aires on Saturday and draw their two-test series 1-1. Prop Eduardo Bello and flyhalf Santiago Carreras also crossed for the home team to go with a penalty try as they rebounded from a surprise 28-13 first-test loss.

France had been seeking a first series win in Argentina since 1998, but could not contain the home side despite tries from scrumhalf Baptiste Serin, centre Emilien Gailleton, and wing Theo Attissogbe. They made the brighter start and were ahead when Serin was worked into space out wide and crossed for the game's first try.

But Argentina gradually grew into the contest as the first half wore on, and their forward muscle turned pressure into points. Bello barged over the tryline from close range, and then they were awarded a penalty score when their scrum pushed France back over their goal line in a massive show of power.

Argentina extended their lead to 21-10 at the break when a neat move from an attacking line-out ended with Carreras beating two defenders to score. France came out with renewed intensity in the second half, and Gailleton's try from his own charge-down added to a penalty, bringing the visitors back within a point.

France regained the lead 10 minutes into the second half when Argentina wing Bautista Delguy misjudged the bounce of a grubber kick into the 22, allowing Attissogbe to score. But following a yellow card for prop Georges-Henri Colombe, Argentina immediately regained the lead as Gallo twice shoved his way over the tryline.

OFF-FIELD ISSUES: The defeat brought an end to a tour that will be remembered in France for the wrong reasons. Lock Hugo Auradou, 20, and back row Oscar Jegou, 21, have been charged with aggravated sexual assault following an incident after last week's first test win in Mendoza. Their lawyer has stated they deny the allegations. Experienced back Melvyn Jaminet was also sent home before that test after making a racist comment on social media.

(With inputs from agencies.)