When the full-time whistle sounded at Stade Marcel-Deflandre, La Rochelle fans groaned as many of their rugby heroes fell to the ground.
La Rochelle have gone for an aggressive 7-1 split on the bench for their Champions Cup showdown with Leinster, though they will be without their towering Wallaby lock Will Skelton.
Fabian Galthie's baby-faced assassins put behind them a challenging week off the pitch to push an experienced Argentinean side in Buenos Aires. Snatching the lead early in the second half following a furious comeback, Les Bleus looked set to complete a first series win in Argentina since 1998.
After two victories, France aims to conclude their tour unbeaten when they face Argentina on Saturday, July 13.
The former England wing had a tough start in French rugby but is now a game away from a Top 14 final.
The Irish province slew their great foe, prompting questions about the serial champions' age profile.
The Stormers recorded their first Champions Cup win of the season, beating Stade Rochelais in Cape Town on Saturday.
La Rochelle winger Dillyn Leyds has opened up on what has given the back-to-back European champions the edge in the last few seasons, citing man management as a crucially important factor.
Could the extra demands of the Top 14 be hindering the efforts of French sides in the Champions Cup?
Who is in form and who are the players to watch among the eight French teams in Europe's elite competition?