That Argentina have plenty of talented players in their ranks is a given, but moulding them into a consistent winning unit has proved tricky.

On their day the Pumas are a match for anybody, but since their exploits at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, when they confounded expert opinion to reach the semi-finals, it is difficult to escape the notion they have been resting on their laurels.

In their defence, Argentina do not have a regular annual competition to participate in - such as the Six Nations and Tri-Nations tournaments - although that will hopefully be addressed in the not-too-distant future.

Argentina's best current player is undoubtedly Felipe Contepomi, their outstanding centre and captain. Fly-half Juan Martin Hernandez is another who looks more than comfortable on the
international stage and he is emerging as a star in his own right.

Blessed as they are with quality threequarters, the Pumas are still more renowned for having one of the most effective forward units in international rugby union.

Flanker and vice-captain Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe is the star among the pack, which also includes seemingly ageless prop Rodrigo Roncero.

Argentina also specialise in unearthing new and previously unheard of talent, so expect plenty of new names from one of the proudest rugby union nations to complement the established order over the next few years.