Southern hemisphere giants back Pumas’ Tri-Nations plans

AUSTRALIA and New Zealand believe Argentina deserve a place in the Tri-Nations but have warned that the South Americans must “get their house in order” first.

The Pumas, who claimed third place in last year’s World Cup, are hoping to participate in an annual tournament with a preference to join the RBS 6 Nations because the majority of their elite players are based in Europe.

However, the International Rugby Board believe the Southern Hemisphere’s Tri-Nations would be the best competition for the South Americans.

Australia Rugby Union chief executive John O’Neill and New Zealand counterpart Steve Tew, speaking at an event to announce that Hong Kong will host a Bledisloe Cup clash between Australia and New Zealand, hope the issue can be resolved to enhance international rugby as a spectacle.

O’Neill said: “We’re very supportive of Argentina, but they’re working to get their house in order — it has been a bit chaotic off the field.

“They’ve currently got a great team, did superbly in the World Cup and we’re very keen to engage Argentina in SANZAR (the South African Rugby Union, the New Zealand Rugby Football Union and the Australian Rugby Union) competitions on the condition that they can provide their best team.

“That’s a challenge because all their players play in Europe, so the ambition is there on the condition that they can provide their best team.”

Tew echoed O’Neill’s comments and insisted negotiations are at an early stage.

“They’ve got some significant and quite unique challenges in that all their players live overseas so it’s too early to say whether they would long-term join the Tri-Nations or not.

“But we’re keen to assist them and get a better foundation so that they can be in the international game.”