Argentina stunned Six Nations champion France 24-14 and handed Les Bleus their first loss in a year, while Charlie Hodgson starred for England in a 32-16 defeat of South Africa.

France hadn't lost a rugby international in Marseille for 55 years and Bernard Laporte's men missed the chance for an unprecedented ninth successive win for the second time in two years. By coincidence, the eight-match unbeaten run of 2001-02 was also snapped by the Pumas.

Martin Durand and Omar Hasan scored tries and flyhalf Felipe Contepomi slotted four penalties as Argentina beat France for the fourth straight time.

"They were superior in every section of play, going forward and with their kicking," Laporte said. "They beat the best we had to offer, which proves that they are now a major (rugby) nation."

At Twickenham, Hodgson, playing at flyhalf ahead of injured captain Jonny Wilkinson, scored all but five of England's points. Bryan Habana scored South Africa's only try.

Australia beat Scotland for the 15th time in a row with a 31-17 win at Hampden Park in Glasgow. Ireland beat the United States 55-6 at Lansdowne Road, with Tommy Bowe scoring a try on his international debut and flyhalf David Humphreys adding 20 points.

Later, Wales played New Zealand in Cardiff.

Argentina proved the more solid side after a five-month layoff and led 19-5 at halftime.

France had most of the possession in the second half, but could not force a try to add to Tony Marsh's first half effort. Frederic Michalak kicked two penalties and Jean-Baptiste Elissalde added another to close the gap to 19-14.

Three minutes from time France conceded possession near its line and Hasan was bundled over. It was the same France team that beat Australia 27-14 a week ago.

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