Argentina vs France 1st Test Predictions - Los Pumas can cover against France

France have been victorious in their last four games against Argentina.

Here is the full head-to-head preview.

Argentina will be hoping to get their 2024 international season off to a positive start on home soil. They have not played since losing to New Zealand in the 2023 Rugby World Cup semi-final.

Coming up against France, Los Pumas will know they face a stiff challenge, albeit against a weakened French outfit. However, confidence will be high after an impressive showing in 2023.

Argentina defeated Chile, Samoa and Japan in the group stages of the World Cup last year. They then saw off Wales 29-17 in the quarter-final. Los Pumas were outplayed by the All Blacks in the semi-final and then lost 26-23 to England in the third-place playoff.

There are changes to the Argentine squad as they, like all sides, look to rebuild after a World Cup. However, many of the players are still there from the last year so they should be more than just competitive.

France have endured a pretty disappointing year thus far after they also had a poor World Cup by their standards.

The French were favourites to win the World Cup on home soil, but after cruising through the group stage that included New Zealand, they fell to South Africa in dramatic fashion in the quarter-final.

The Six Nations didn’t go so well either in 2024, despite finishing second. France lost their opening game at home to Ireland which immediately put them on the backfoot. They proceeded beat Scotland away by four points and then drew at home against Italy.

France won big in Wales and then just held on for victory against England at home.

Fabian Galthie had selected a very young squad for this tour of Argentina. There are six debutants in the French starting lineup with a host of experienced players left at home to rest.