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Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has hailed Argentina’s proposed inclusion in an expanded Tri-Nations tournament as “fantastic”.
The Pumas, who finished third in the last Rugby World Cup, were given a conditional invitation by SANZAR last Monday to be part of a four-nations tournament from 2012 onward.
Argentina needs to ensure the availability of their best players and finalise a financial model and earn the approval of broadcasters to confirm their place in the southern hemisphere tournament.
Deans welcomed the potential inclusion of Argentina in the competition prior to heading out to Wellington on Wednesday for Australia’s final match of the 2009 Tri-Nations against New Zealand on Saturday.
“It’s fantastic and I don’t see any reason why it can’t be achieved,” Deans told AAP about Argentina’s proposed participation.
“Obviously a lot of the top Argentinian players are based in the United Kingdom, but I see no reason why the International Rugby Board shouldn’t endorse the (expanded) competition.
“If they do that and insist on those players being released from club obligations – particularly the timing of the competition, it’s early in the (European) season – it’s nothing that the UK clubs don’t experience with their competitions.
“If they endorse it, then it’s a really exciting addition to SANZAR rugby.”
Australian Rugby Union boss John O’Neill earlier this week offered qualified support for Argentina’s inclusion.
“We need to ensure the same integrity and quality of competition is guaranteed with a move to a Four-Nations championship and Argentina understands that,” he said.
The expanded tournament would begin in mid-August and the format would see the four teams playing home and away in a competition consisting of 12 matches.
All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith also welcomed Argentina’s participation in the competition.
“It’ll freshen the competition, it will add new faces,” Smith said.
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Ack said | September 17th 2009 @ 2:17pm | Report comment
And with the Pacific Island side (Fiji, Tonga, Somoa) will we have our own version of 5 nations.
What a thrilling prospect for spectators, players and broadcasters.
Apelu Tielu said | September 18th 2009 @ 6:37pm | Report comment
it is good to see Argentina being included in the Southern Hemisphere competition. But what about Samoa, Tonga and Fiji? The suggestion of a combined Pacific island team reflects a lack of understanding about the nature of the island teams and their capabilities. In the early days of the world cup, Samoa comprehensively beat Italy and Argentina. But the support from the IRB, NZ and Australia have always been with the white teams of Argentina and Italy. And now, those teams are ahead of the island teams. It is my contention that if the three island teams were given the same support as that given to Argentina and Italy, chances are they would have rivalled NZ, SA and Australia by now because they have the types of players that can succeed in a sport like rugby. Have a look at league, rugby, and American football. Island players are often the best players because they have the natural talent. But there seems to be a reluctance from both NZ and Australia to develop rugby in the island so they can continue to use them as feeders. The thing is they can do without jeopardising rugby in the island if they just support them. But neither Wallabies nor the All Blacks had ever played in Samoa, and the island teams have not even been inviting to play those two in NZ or Australia. Instead, they play in a demoralising and meaningless tournament with the with the Junior All Blacks. That is nonsense support. Island rugby is vital to the future of rugby because they play entertaining rugby, and they deserve the support of the IRB and the big nations next door. So far, it is disgraceful that the Wallabies and the All Blacks have no problem play against Italy and Argentina, but they treat Samoa, Tonga and Fiji like lepers!