Former New Zealand coach Graham Henry believes Argentina should be excited – not fearful – ahead of their Rugby Championship debut.
The Pumas will play in the four-team tournament, previously known as the Tri Nations prior to their inclusion, for the first time in 2012.
And to help prepare them for the challenge of facing the All Blacks, Australia and South Africa, Argentina have drafted in Henry in an advisory role for seven weeks.
On his unveiling, Henry, who coached New Zealand to World Cup glory last year, said: “I think we should look at this tournament as a great opportunity rather than something we are concerned about.
“If we are inhibited by the championship, we will not play well. If we are excited, we will do our best.”
Henry, who will work alongside coach Santiago Phelan, refused to set any specific targets for the Pumas.
“I’m not here to say that we need to win three out of six, or two out of six or six out of six,” he said.
“I think you’ve got to realise that these are the best teams in the world, and so it’s a major challenge.”
Argentina play warm-up games against Italy and France (twice) before taking on South Africa in their Rugby Championship opener in Cape Town on August 18.
They meet the Wallabies on September 15 on the Gold Coast.