Leinster's Felipe Contepomi kicked 17 points to help Argentina to a 22-14 win over Italy at Turin's Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, while in Sochaux, France beat a depleted Pacific Island side 42-17.

Rafael Carballo ran in the Pumas only try in the 50th minute after outhalf Juan Martin Hernandez collected his own clever chip in the middle of the pitch to feed the winger.

Outhalf Andrea Marcato scored two penalties and a drop goal for the Azzurri and fullback Andrea Masi ran over a consolation try in stoppage time.

The result eased the pressure on Argentina coach Santiago Phelan, giving his side their second win since he took over after last years' third-place finish at the World Cup.

Saturday after the tourists were reduced to 14 men for much of the match.

Referee Nigel Owens sent off winger Napolioni Nalaga in the 18th minute after the Fijian powerhouse, who plays club rugby in France with Clermont Auvergne, knocked out scrumhalf Jean-Baptiste Elissalde with a late and high tackle.

Elissalde left the field on a stretcher but regained consciousness in the dressing room.

The Islanders were leading 6-3 at the time thanks to two penalties from flyhalf Seremaia Bai, Nalaga's team mate at Clermont, against one converted by France number 10 David Skrela.

The French capitalised on the numerical advantage with tries from hooker Dimitri Szarzewski and replacement scrumhalf Sebastien Tillous-Bordes before the break and Cedric Heymans, Louis Picamoles and Maxime Medard after halftime.

Skrela added four conversions and three penalties.

The Islanders answered with four first half Bai penalties and a face-saving try by Harlequins centre Epi Taione three minutes from time.