By Rowan Birch

Argentina have an exciting and historic year to look forward too. For the first time ever they will compete in an annual tournament against the southern hemisphere giants (Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.) They also go into the Rugby Championship after a reasonably successful 2011, some of the Pumas top players are in great form and they have the help of coaching guru Graham Henry - who will support and aid the Argentinian coaches.

The South Americans won three out of six games last year. Although that doesn't suggest a successful year, the Pumas did play some of the worlds best, in the form of: the All Blacks (eventual World Cup winners), Wales (eventual 4th placer) and England (only 4 points separated them at the final whistle.)

But the Pumas should be optimistic for this year, as star players are playing well. Horacio Agulla - the Leicester winger, is in scintillating form or the Tigers. Also, their captain and inspirational leader Felipe Contemponi has directed Stade Francais to a great position in the Top 14. On top of that, Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe, the Pumas vice captain, has helped Toulon (AKA The Bank of Toulon) to the Top 14 final. These are all encouraging signs for coach Santiago Phelan to try and pass on to the rest of the squad and to carry into this summers tournament.

Another reason for the Pumas to be optimistic going into the Rugby Championship is that World Cup winning coach Sir Graham Henry has been recruited to aid and mentor the Argentinian coaches. He will pass on valuable and expert advice and knowledge to the Los Pumas coaching set up, and they may be able to convert his help into some solid performances or even a shock win!

The Pumas will go into all their games in the Rugby Championship as the underdogs, and this will help them. They will have nothing to loose and will be able to play as they like - fast, exciting counter attacking rugby.

But the Argentines will also be able to use their huge pack to their advantage against the likes of Australia (who are notorious for a 'weak' pack.) The Pumas will want to bully the Wallabies up front and then quickly unleash their wing wizards against the injury struck Australia. Although that sounds easy on paper, it will be an exceptionally tough and challenging task.

So, the Pumas will want to convert their 2011 form and some of their key player's 2012 club form into their first ever inaugural international competition. It will be a tough time for the Argentines, but I'm sure solid performances will cement them as 'everyones second team'.

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