PARIS (Reuters) - Hosts France ended the World Cup they had hoped to lift by tasting defeat amid a crescendo of jeers when Argentina won a bad-tempered third-place playoff 34-10 on Friday.

The Pumas, digging deep in their stamina reserves to give departing coach Marcelo Loffreda a stylish send-off, followed their win over the home team in the opening game at the Stade de France by repeating the feat at the Parc des Princes.

With thousands of England and South Africa fans flocking to the French capital for Saturday's final, France had at least hoped to secure a small consolation prize but came off second best to a ferocious Argentine pack.

With the French forwards bulldozed aside, Argentina produced fine attacking rugby to outscore the hosts by five tries to one including two from centre Felipe Contepomi.

"We have lost only one game against South Africa. We couldn't play for first place but today was very important for us," said Loffreda, who now takes up a coaching job in England.

"The players did a very good job," he told reporters. "I am very happy, very proud. The pride, mentality and toughness were extremely important in this game."

Tempers flared throughout a bruising encounter and referee Paul Honiss, who brandished three yellow cards, struggled to retain control.

Argentina led 17-3 at the break after tries from Contepomi and prop Omar Hasan. Hopes of a French comeback were then snuffed out by wing Federico Martin Aramburu's try in the corner and another score from fullback Ignacio Corleto.

Clement Poitrenaud finally breached the Pumas defence before Contepomi got his second.

The defeat marked the departure of France coach Bernard Laporte, who is set to take up a position in the French government.

Laporte could be in for a bumpy ride with L'Equipe magazine saying he faced an investigation from France's tax authorities for alleged tax evasion and various irregularities over businesses he is involved in.

Elsewhere, England and South Africa went through their final preparations for Saturday's showpiece.

While the England camp received messages of support from the Queen and Prime Minister Gordon Brown, South Africa held an emotionally-charged meeting with members of their 1995-winning team.

Off the field, Frenchman Bernard Lapasset was elected the new International Rugby Board (IR chairman after winning a unanimous vote.

Lapasset, president of the French Rugby Federation, will take over from Irishman Syd Millar on January 1.

With the tournament drawing to a close, thoughts turned to the 2011 edition in New Zealand with debate still raging on how many teams will take part.

Tournament officials were none the wiser about whether the next World Cup would be cut to 16 teams from 20, said 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden.

The IRB had proposed culling four of the weaker sides to make it more competitive but are having second thoughts after the improved performances of so-called "minnows" this year.