Defending champions South Africa suffered a severe scare at the hands of Argentina and had to come from behind to win a tight match 20-16.
For more than an hour the Argentineans were more than a match for Pieter de Villier's side and led 11-7 at the break, but with captain Chiliboy Ralepelle leading from the front, the Boks fought back for their first win.
It was the South Africans who started the better, Marius Delport scoring inside the first two minutes but, with Ashley Johnson sin-binned, Argentina took hold of the match in the forwards allowing Martin Bustos Moyano to kick six points from penalties and score a try for the Pumitas for the half time lead.
The second period, though, saw the fightback from the South Africans as their pack came to terms more with the South Americans allowing fly half Dollie to dictate play with greater control. Although he missed with one penalty chance, his kicking and vision did open the game up and a try for Pierre Spies put them back in the lead in what was an increasingly absorbing match.
Argentina hit back through Gonzalo Sarasqueta but they still trailed 16-17 and a final Dollie penalty took the score out beyond three points difference.
South Africa open their defence with a win but Argentina look set to cause Ireland problems in their next game.
Quotes
Chiliboy Ralepelle, South Africa captain: "We weren't surpised by the Argentina performance. They're very tough competitors and strong up front but I was very proud of my players and the way they fought back when we were down."
Peter de Villiers, RSA coach: "We always knew it would be difficult. They have 13 players who played at this level last year but we're still on course and that's all that matters."
Francisco Albarracin, Argentina captain: "I'd say we were their equal. We can play very well, we've known that for a long time but we have to up the ante against Ireland again."
Marcelo Ambroggio, Argentina coach: "I'm very proud of the way my team played, especially of the way they kept going for the whole match. We need to keep just that little bit more intensity going for the whole game but I'm very happy."