France made a winning start to the Latin Cup rugby union tournament on Saturday with a 30-19 win over Italy in Auch. Argentina beat Romania 45-18 in the other opening-round match. Tries from prop Christian Califano, in the ninth minute, and skipper Philippe SaintAndre in the 60th saw France home with Christophe Lamaison landing six penalties and a conversion for a personal tally of 20 points.

Italy got a lone try from wing Paolo Vaccari in the 46th minute but the rest of their points came from the boot of Argentine-born fly-half Diego Dominguez.

Two more double-headers will round out the tournament with Argentina playing Italy and France facing Romania at Lourdes on Wednesday night and France hosting Argentina and Italy playing Romania at Tarbes on October 26th.

France are using the match to prepare for their upcoming two-match series against World Cup holders South Africa in November.