France Classic XV threw the World Rugby Classic title race wide open, stunning champions Argentina Legends 29-17 on a scintillating Tuesday night.

Taking to North Field, National Sports Centre, smarting from a 24-0 defeat to Classic Lions in their opening match on Sunday, the French were determined to stay in contention for the crown.

With their championship hopes on the line, the French could not afford another slip-up. Another loss would have effectively ended their hopes of lifting a trophy they last won in 2022 and they played like a side that understood exactly what was at stake.

From the opening whistle, France camped in the Argentina half and refused to let the champions settle. Their pressure was relentless and they were rewarded with four tries at the end of the night, which were enough to secure a bonus-point victory.

Clement Esteriola and Rémy Grosso scored two tries each, with Cédric Menjoulou kicking a penalty goal and three conversions for the victorious side.

It was a huge response to the disappointment of Sunday and a performance that immediately put them back in the heart of the championship conversation.

Argentina, who opened their title defence with a 35-8 triumph over Italian Classic XV on Saturday, responded with three tries from Leandro Urriza, Mauro Comuzzi and Segundo Pisani.

The champions showed their quality in spells and kept fighting until the end, but they were unable to match the intensity and control France produced for long periods of the match.

Argentina, who face the Lions in their final fixture on Friday, will be keeping a close eye on the outcome of the match between Classic Canada and the Lions on Remembrance Day. That fixture, on Wednesday night, could shape the entire title race.

Earlier on Tuesday, Italy placed themselves in contention for the title by defeating Classic Eagles 52-19 to pick up their first win of the tournament.

After losing to Argentina in their opening match, the Italians responded in emphatic fashion, running in points to revive their campaign and announce themselves as genuine contenders.

The Italians will be fancying their chances of becoming champions when they meet the Canadians on Friday. With confidence restored and momentum behind them, Italy now have everything to play for in what promises to be a decisive final day of the World Rugby Classic.