To reach the last four in the world cup of rugby is a truly astounding feat for any nation.
The likes of Ireland for example have never made it past the last eight at the showpiece of the sport and so the achievement of Marcelo Loffreda's Argentina in France this year is simply out of this world.
The Pumas have arguably played the most exciting rugby at this year's tournament and they still have another opportunity to shine when they take on France in the third place play off game, a repeat of the opening game in this year's world cup which Argentina won.
And all of this from a proud nation where football is by far the number one sport and on par with a religion.
The likes of Ireland for example have never made it past the last eight at the showpiece of the sport and so the achievement of Marcelo Loffreda's Argentina in France this year is simply out of this world.
The Pumas have arguably played the most exciting rugby at this year's tournament and they still have another opportunity to shine when they take on France in the third place play off game, a repeat of the opening game in this year's world cup which Argentina won.
And all of this from a proud nation where football is by far the number one sport and on par with a religion.
However as this year's competition has progressed the feeling on the ground in the South American country has changed.
After a spell of economic disaster the success of the national rugby side has given the nation an unexpected lift and the hard work of rugby stalwarts over the years has finally been rewarded on the biggest stage of all.
True this wasn't the first time Argentina made it out of their pool, but this year's onslaught was a joy to watch and an example of how pride in your nation's shirt can drive you on to do magical things.
In Juan Martin Hernandez Argentina have a sensational talent who may well be awarded player of the tournament at this world cup.
Others have worn their hearts of their sleeves too. Men like fly half Felipe Contepomi, full back Ignacio Corleto and the captain scrum half Agustin Pichot carried the hopes of the nations comfortably on their broad shoulders and can be immensely proud of their achievements.
But the success of Argentina at this year's world cup presents a problem for the International rugby board (IRB)
Surely now is the time to integrate Argentina into either the Six Nations tournament or the Tri Nations.
While it would seem to make sense that Argentina being in the Southern Hemisphere took part in the Tri Nations 26 of their current squad play for European Clubs so logistically being part of the Six Nations would make far more sense.
Argentina have applied to join the Six nations format in the past but have been turned down.
Last year Captain Pichot said that Argentina deserves to be part of the Six nations. He said "The whole of rugby should think where we are going, if they want Argentina to compete or not. We would be very, very proud to play the Six Nations and would do anything to play in that tournament. It's up to the International Rugby Board and people who are not on the field. They should think a little bit more about us and lend us a hand."
The Argentine Rugby Union is in protected receivership and desperately in need of funds after losing a costly court case.
A place at the lucrative Six Nations table would also help the UAR get back on its feet and be able to deal with the demands of its players for better pay and facilities.
Surely now is the time to offer Argentina the chance to play regular rugby and help increase the profile of the sport at home.
All they need is a home stadium in Europe and funds to meet the minimum requirements.
After this world cup who could deprive them what they truly deserve?
By Graham Clifford
After a spell of economic disaster the success of the national rugby side has given the nation an unexpected lift and the hard work of rugby stalwarts over the years has finally been rewarded on the biggest stage of all.
True this wasn't the first time Argentina made it out of their pool, but this year's onslaught was a joy to watch and an example of how pride in your nation's shirt can drive you on to do magical things.
In Juan Martin Hernandez Argentina have a sensational talent who may well be awarded player of the tournament at this world cup.
Others have worn their hearts of their sleeves too. Men like fly half Felipe Contepomi, full back Ignacio Corleto and the captain scrum half Agustin Pichot carried the hopes of the nations comfortably on their broad shoulders and can be immensely proud of their achievements.
But the success of Argentina at this year's world cup presents a problem for the International rugby board (IRB)
Surely now is the time to integrate Argentina into either the Six Nations tournament or the Tri Nations.
While it would seem to make sense that Argentina being in the Southern Hemisphere took part in the Tri Nations 26 of their current squad play for European Clubs so logistically being part of the Six Nations would make far more sense.
Argentina have applied to join the Six nations format in the past but have been turned down.
Last year Captain Pichot said that Argentina deserves to be part of the Six nations. He said "The whole of rugby should think where we are going, if they want Argentina to compete or not. We would be very, very proud to play the Six Nations and would do anything to play in that tournament. It's up to the International Rugby Board and people who are not on the field. They should think a little bit more about us and lend us a hand."
The Argentine Rugby Union is in protected receivership and desperately in need of funds after losing a costly court case.
A place at the lucrative Six Nations table would also help the UAR get back on its feet and be able to deal with the demands of its players for better pay and facilities.
Surely now is the time to offer Argentina the chance to play regular rugby and help increase the profile of the sport at home.
All they need is a home stadium in Europe and funds to meet the minimum requirements.
After this world cup who could deprive them what they truly deserve?
By Graham Clifford
