For many a year now there have been faint cries for the inclusion of Argentina in either the Tri-Nations of Six Nations. These cries have gradually become louder and this November escalated into a signed pre-contract agreement full of intent. The argument is based upon their ability to compete with the best teams in the world, those competing in the Tri- and Six Nations, and how they argued their case this month.

After just one week together as a squad they recorded a maiden test win at Twickenham and in some style; the sight of Federico Todeschini racing away from desperate English defenders will live long in the memory. A week later, and with a host of changes, they disposed of Italy, a team with a pack to match that of the mighty Pumas. Admittedly, they did lose their final game against France albeit by a solitary point, but having trailed by eighteen points with half an hour to go, and giving the French a mighty scare at the death.

The results certainly advocate inclusion at the top table of rugby, but what of the players and performances, as we all know a win doesn't equate to a good performance (just look at England v South Africa in the first test). A quick glance through the team sheet highlights their pedigree as a quality side, they have a beefy and mobile forward pack and a quality back line to boot.

The Argentinians have long had a reputation for their fearsome scrummaging, which is undoubtedly the best in the world, and robust forward play. This tour has enhanced and developed their forward pack. Not only are they able to out muscle other packs but with the likes of the Lobbe brothers (Juan Martin and Ignacio), Gonzalo Longo, and Juan Manuel Leguizamón they are able to compete in the loose far more effectively than a couple of years ago.

Argentina possess some of the best backline players in the world too, including the likes of Agustín Pichot, Felipe Contepomi and Juan Martín Hernández, but in truth they did not quite gel as a unit. At times they became too reliant on the boot of Federico Todeschini, but when you have a kicker of that ability why not use him. England did in 2003.

The determination they showed against France to come from so far behind demonstrated a new found self-belief in their ranks, even if at times they often relied on errors from the opposition to score from as opposed to creating opportunities themselves. But again, why not? South Africa got to second in the world doing that.

So where do the Pumas go from here, having proved they can compete amongst the top sides in rugby. Well if things stay as they are it looks bleak, as they will be resigned to playing friendlies in between World Cups. Hardly an appropriate develoment ground. It is time that they were accommodated into one of the premier tournaments to ensure they continue developing as a nation. The majority of their players play at the highest level of club rugby in Europe, so they now need this as a national team.

Star of the Series: Before the test at Twickenham all the talk was about Felipe Contepomi, and rightly so as he had been in sensational form for Leinster. However he was out done by an early substitute, Federico Todeschini, who went on to steal the show against England. Todeschini showed he has the all round game needed at fly-half, and has established himself as a key player for the Pumas in the last month.

By Marcus Leach