According to Argentinean Rugby site Rugbyfun.com.ar, Nike released this poster after the third/fourth place playoffs that features Agustin Pichot, Juan Martin Hernandez and Ignacio Corleto calling for the Pumas to be let into the Tri-Nations tournament
The translated text reads:
We listened to the people who gave us for dead in the first round, We saw the faces of the French after the opening match. We ignored the ones who said we would lose the qualifying spot to Ireland. We nodded at the scots when they thought they had the easiest opponents in the QF. We were one of the two Southern Hemisphere teams in the Semi-Final. We are now the 3rd team in the competition
We want to play tri-nations rugby. We deserve it.
World rugby has to take an important decision. A decision based on heart not money.
I could not agree more. Argentina have proven themselves and should get a spot in the tri-nations or six nations tournaments. There are logistical issues to work out (most of the Argentinean players ply their trade in France), but they need to be given the recognition that they deserve.
As far as I know Adidas still sponsor the Pumas, so this advert is a masterstroke by Nike. It plays on national pride and sentiment in Argentina, and possibly opens the door for them to take over the sponsorship. Nike sponsor Argentinean football teams Boca Juniors and Racing Club as well as the Brazilian national side. If Nike could pump some decent money into Argentinean rugby and develop the domestic game there then it is not hard to imagine a future world cup final that features the Pumas.
(via the Silver Fern - the most intelligent rugby community on the planet)