The worst thing that could happen to the Rugby Championship would be for newcomer Argentina to prove to be an easybeat, especially away from home. An innovation that promised to breathe colour into a stodgy Tri-Nations format would become, instead, a serious mishap. Envisioned commercial advantages would not materialise and Argentina would be fated to the mediocrity that has marked Italy's tenure in Europe's Six Nations Championship.
That's why there has been a muted response to Sir Graham Henry's role in preparing the Pumas before tonight's Wellington test. This is not a case of the World Cup-winning coach assisting one of the All Blacks' traditional rivals, such as South Africa or England. Nor does it involve him spilling the beans about All Black tactics or the strengths and weaknesses of players. Television analysis will have provided the Argentinians with the vast majority of what they need to know in those areas.
Rather, this is about Sir Graham helping the Pumas improve. They are formidable players in their own stadiums, as was highlighted by the draw with the Springboks at Men-doza. But they must become stronger away from home. Equally, they must move on from their forward-dominated game if they are to become fully competitive.
If Sir Graham helps them do that, so much the better for world rugby.