Should Argentina be added to the Tri-Nations?

Question

Now that Argentina is playing top-tier rugby, should they be added to the Tri-Nations with the other southern hemisphere power-houses? They are currently the only top-tier team not in either Tri-Nations or 6 Nations competition. They could go into a league with the USA and Canada, but they would just dominate as those countries are not top tier competitors.

Answer 1

yerr they would get pumped every game ...about 60 - 0

they should add them to the 6 nations

Answer 2

Ye good idea or they could replace Italy in 6 nations let Italy play Us and Canada.

Answer 3

Some of the responses are just hilarious!

One said that Argentina never defeated RSA and Australia... what a dumb... gotta watch the games before start writting kid!.

The other one said that they would'nt have to play because they wouldn't win any match. I guess that person still doesn't know that rugby is not about a result, but passion. Rugby is not football, there's all about winning.

I also believe that the main reason is about money. On this championships there's a cake to share and Argentina wouldn't carry enough money to be considered seriously by the other Unions.

The distance is important, it'd affect all the teams on a similiar level. But that's just an excuse by now.

Remember that the pumas only have the wc to demonstrate their level. After that, they have 4 gap years.

Answer 4

It would change the nature of the S14 which would now encompass the whole of the southern hemisphere and that means all of the time differences.

They might be better to join a American (continent) comp.  The Northern Americans would improve once a bit of money was added.  In fact it might awaken the sleeping dog.

If they want another team in the S14 I reckon it's better to look to the Pacific Islands and Japan.

Answer 5

Yes definitely the Tri Nations needs a change and Argentina would be a welcome addition and world rugby needs another strong nations as sadly some countries are lagging further behind that used to be strong teams.

Answer 6

Yes, I think that Argentina should become part of the Tri-Nations.

First of all, from a 'good of the game point of view' are the Pumas ready as a rugby side to compete in the Tri-Nations? I personally think that they are, lets look at the facts. Other than coming third in the world cup, and moving up the IRB rankings to forth - for some people that is a weak argument, there is the fact that between and including the years 2003 to 2007 the Pumas have had wins over France (5 out of six games), Wales(3/5) , England(1/1), Ireland(3/5) and drew with the Lions. I am very much aware that Southern Hemisphere teams often beat these Northern Hemisphere teams, sometimes by a ridiculous margin, but the point I am trying to make is that we consider these teams competitive, yet for some reason some people don't consider a team that is capable of beating these competitive sides to be competitive itself. To bring it closer to home, in their last encounters they lost to the aussies 8-24  pool game RWC 2003, AB's 19-24 (2006), and to the boks 13-37 RWC semi-final - These are not absolutely substantial margins. Now I'm not saying that they will be competitive from the very outset, but how else are they going to get better? They need tougher competition on a more regular basis, the team that achieved the stats stated have only played 42 tests between 2003 and 2007, which includes weaker sides such as Romania, Uruguay, Chile, in comparison to the Tri-Nations teams which have played between 60 to 66 tests against much stronger competition. I acknowledge that they will most probably struggle in the first two or three seasons against the Tri-Nations sides, but exposure to stronger competition will mean a stronger Pumas side, what entails is a more competitive, diverse Southern Hemisphere competition - resulting in better development in players and a better spectacle for the crowd to watch.

Now from a financial point of view I can see how there may be reservations about Argentina joining the Tri-Nations; 'Will it make money?' Rugby is a growing game, and yes it is growing in Argentina, their World Cup campaign last year had created a surge of interest. Surely SANZAR should be helping to grow, and as a result gain from, this emerging market? Now I'm in no position to make any claims in regard to the revenue generating prospects of an expanded Tri-Nations, but it is known that SANZAR is trying to grow the game around the world in order to grow its market, which is why the AB's and Wallabies are playing a test in Hong Kong later on this year. I would argue that the prospects of growing the game in Argentina, will outweigh the costs of doing so. It is a country which loves its sport, which already has an established base of rugby fans, and is therefore another potential market.

Answer 7

If this was going to happen it would have happenned by now. I have come to the conclusion that something either very political or very commercial - that none of us know about - is preventing this from happenning..

ps) the IRB should be f*cking ashamed of themselves.

Answer 8

they arent at tri nations level yet. they would get spanked regularly.

perhaps six nations.

Answer 9

yes. we saw them in the world cup and they are definitely up to the level. i thought they would be in tri-nations by now. if they cannot join, it would be a good idea to join 6 nations or pacific nations cup cuz they all are a bit behind tri-nations. anyhow, i really want to see argentina participating in one of the tournaments.

Answer 10

No.

They have never beaten RSA or NZ.

What the h**l makes you think they could ever win a tri-nations championship?

Edit: Vader, all the Argentina unions voted against professionalism last year - how are they going to get better with non pro unions?

Grass roots rugby suported by progressive unions over a sustained period is the only way to even think about winning a tri-nations championship.

I for one don't care what tri-nations teams are playing from week to week, because I will watch them all, knowing that it is the best level of international rugby being played - adding Argintina to the equation would be a mistake.

37 -13 and last years WC - that is spanking, RSA made them look very ordinary, who the h**l wants to pay to watch that?

Answer 11

I think it would do absolutely no harm to trial the idea. The Tri Nations has just been expanded by an additional round of games, perhaps Sanzar could have considered the Puma's inclusion. If only as a trial. Argentina deserves better. The Pumas have always been a passionate team, nor more evident than at the World Cup where they boxed well above their weight. Even football, the country's primary sport, was relegated to the back burner during those halcyon days.

Sadly, they are geographically isolated, but if major rugby nations do not take some responsibility for their development, they will never grow in the game and will forever be the bridesmaid of world rugby. It is therefore not about ego boosting cricket scores - that some correspondent think will be the inevitable outcome of such games. History has proved otherwise. It is about allowing them to achieve their full potential, against the world's best. That is of more importance.

Give them a chance, I say. Given their passion and determination, some of they results may well surprise?

Answer 12

It would be cool to see them included in the the TriNations but it's a fair hike for the players and they wouldn't have the crowd support that we get in OZ< SA & NZ....

It would be cool though

Answer 13

I'd heard the Spain rumour as well, though I think it would be better if they played in the Tri-nations, it will add more variety to the matches and it would boost rugby in Argentina. Distance wise I'd say Argentina's actually closer to New Zealand or about the same as South Africa if you travel the other way.

Answer 14

of couse they should the pumas play  simalar to the french hard forwards ,and backs with flair, unfortunately when they seem to be losing the tend to throw the game plan out the window, however on saying that ONLY with playing against seasoned teams can any of us get better ,the best experience is first hand, its a d**n lot harder to pack down against a seasoned campaigner than  someone whos only had a couple of seasons under his belt. I know this first as i packed down on the other side of a scrum against an all black of the day who was my role model, 15 minutes later guess who was carted off on the stretcher YEP little ol me, ouch never ever made this mistake again in 25yrs of playing this great game

Answer 15

Nope, they're too far away.  I'd be keen as h**l for Argentina to be part of the Tri-Nations but the travelling to South Africa is bad enough, imagine if you had to Go from Australia, to South Africa, then to New Zealand and then to Argentina! it'd be too much and would impact on the rugby.

I've heard a rumour that they're going to join the six nations and play all their home games in Spain.  I was at a dinner with the ABs and the Irish just before the test a month or so ago and got sat next to graham henry who kind of let it slip in conversation.  If thats the case, thats a brilliant idea.  It'd make money for Spain and Argentina and i think the Argentine game is more suited to the Six Nations than the Tri Nations to be honest.

*It might be the same distance mate, but to travel it twice, rather than once, makes a huge difference.  I'll think you'll find this is why Argentina wasn't added in 1998 when it was first discussed.

Answer 16

No, because South Africa Australia and New Zealand are all from very similar backgrounds and one of the things about the tri nations is so that these backgrounds can come together. Argentina is apart of the Portuguese and Spanish backgrounds of South America. But I do think they should have something like a 8 nations for South Africa, Australia, All blacks, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Argentina and Japan or something like that, maybe something with the USA and Canada

Answer 17

Its a dumb idea. They'd never beat ne1. We need a development tournament with teams like US Canada Georgia Portugal and Romania. I don't no where Argentina should play though , just not tri nations

Answer 18

I think that Argentina should join one of the major championships. I think that the 6 nations appears to be more feasible if they could be based in Spain like Zachivich speculates. Most Argentine players play their domestic rugby in the French divisions, as far as I know. Ergo, their stellar performances against the French national side - they know the French well, so they have no fear when they play them.

I don't think Argentina are quite the same league as the other SH teams though and it showed against the Boks in the WC, though the Pumas would be hard to beat in Argentina.

I think that the 6 Nations is the viable option for them but it also could be argued that a Pacific Island team should join the Tri Nations as the players are contracted to Super 14, and  European and Japanese clubs.

Answer 19

No because than it won't be called Tri-Natons and if they end up sending over B string teams like the 6 nations do than it'll serve no purpose to Rugby at all.

Answer 20

yes so that sourtheren hemisphere can learn other tactics and not letting upsets in big tournments like w/cup

Answer 21

No.

Answer 22

I believe if Argentina joins any it should be the 6 nations. Most of the players play in Europe like the French League, English Preimiership and the Magners Celtic League so i believe that it would be easier for Argentina to get a stadiam in Europe and join the 6 nations.

Answer 23

yes, but only if they can have there strongest team playing and no players commited to clubs etc.... it would b a shame for SA, NZ and AUS to have to do more physical work on a rugby field risking injury to a second or third string argentina side.... argentina must have a full strength side or they shouldn't b part of the tri-nations!

i think it will make the tri-nations competition better as it will strengthen an already competitive country

Answer 24

As a Kiwi I would love it if they were. I actually thought they should have been added when the media deal was renegotiated in 2006 for the Tri-Nations and Super 14.

However geography is a big factor and costs would be huge not like the Six Nations where everyone is on each others door step.

Plus they would have to reduce the games back to one hom and away game each. I do still hope they find a way to do it because I feel Argentina belong down South with us.

Answer 25

Thay are being added to the super 14 in a few years. This is known, only players playing full time in Argentina will be allowed to play.