Host nation France suffered a chronic case of stage fright as Argentina recorded a stunning World Cup upset on the tournament's opening night.

The Pumas blew Pool D wide open by ruining Les Bleus' planned Stade de France party through a performance built on quality, bravery and discipline.

Full-back Ignacio Corleto, who plays his club rugby in Paris with Stade Francais, scored a spectacular first-half interception try.

And former Bristol fly-half Felipe Contepomi, playing in the centre alongside his brother Manuel, kicked four penalties as Argentina built a 17-9 interval lead.

France managed four David Skrela penalties in reply, yet one of the World Cup favourites now effectively face pool stage elimination if they lose to Ireland in two weeks' time.

Argentina failed to score after the 34th minute, and although France were guilty of some dreadful handling and kicking errors, the Pumas thoroughly deserved the greatest victory in their Test history.

Skipper Agustin Pichot, a club colleague of Corleto's, led from the front, while Argentina's revered forwards ensured France could never establish momentum up-front.

Centre Damien Traille and wing Aurelien Rougerie proved France's biggest attacking threats, yet nerves gripped the French performance as Argentina kept their shape and composure after Corleto's try - created when wing Horacio Agulla intercepted a Remy Martin pass - hoisted them 14-3 in front.

A capacity crowd at the Stade de France did its utmost to lift their heroes out of the doldrums, but not even the 60th minute arrival of impact substitute Sebastien Chabal could make a difference.

France's performance during the first 40 minutes failed to match a white-hot atmosphere inside the stadium as Argentina dominated key contact areas.

Contepomi's majestic goalkicking was punctuated by a superb Corleto try, and it proved a damaging psychological blow for the French.

Although three Skrela penalties kept them in touch - Skrela and substitute Frederic Michalak both missed easy chances later in the action - Argentina were good value for an eight-point interval lead that set the platform for a spectacular win.

And when English referee Tony Spreadbury sounded the final whistle, France - somewhat inevitably - trooped off to a cacophony of boos.