Mark Souster of The Australian talks to former Argentina scrum-half Agustin Pichot.
"The story of Argentine rugby is one fuelled by a burning sense of injustice, but also by pride, passion and an unbridled love for the sport.
"In Agustin Pichot, it has been fortunate to have had one of its most respected advocates, who may have retired from the international game after the previous World Cup but whose influence on his country's future is still as strong as it was when he was a player and captain.
"Over the past four years, Pichot's mission has been to ensure that Argentina, which England faces on Saturday in the opening pool B game, secured a place in the Tri-Nations tournament. It is one that has taken him around the world, in turn cajoling, imploring and negotiating. It is one that finally paid off with his beloved country admitted this year to that exclusive southern-hemisphere club with effect from next year.
"But as always, there is a price to pay. The side that bewitched the world four years ago has broken up, those who remain are ageing and the next generation is not yet ready. It is a team in transition, shedding the last vestiges of romantic amateurism to be replaced by fully fledged professionalism. The Pumas, he suspects, may struggle at this tournament, but he hopes not."
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