Just as Argentina forced the IRB to take them seriously after reaching the semifinal in 2007, so too will the Pacific Island teams this time round if one or more can reach the knockout stages.
The continued neglect of Island teams who live off sporadic invitations to play the bestteams is a situation that reflects poorly on world rugby bosses. New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew, who has pursued a number of initiatives to help rugby in the Islands since he took over the job in 2007, says he would expect the IRB to take the lead in doing more after this World Cup.
"I think what everyone has to remember was that Argentina was not a Sanzar issue," says Tew. "It was an issue for world rugby and it took everyone to get involved with financial support and other measures to help them. If one of the Pacific Island nations makes a quarter-final or semifinal, then there will be discussions after the tournament - but we would need world rugby to help and support us again."
Tew says he expects the IRB will elevate the Pacific Islands to high priority status after the World Cup if one of Samoa, Fiji or Tonga can set the tournament alight. It effectively took Argentina five years to earn the right to play in the Tri Nations. A comprehensive strategic plan was agreed between Los Pumas, the IRB and the Sanzar nations after the last World Cup. After two years of working towards meeting some basic requirements, it was announced in 2009 that Argentina would be joining the southern hemisphere competition in 2012 - giving them three years to prepare.
The key to earning entry was the IRB forcing through a change to player release dates so as the bulk of Argentina's squad who are contracted to French clubs would have to be released to play.
With that legislation now in place, one of the major obstacles Samoa - who appear to be the strongest of the Pacific Island teams and the best-prepared to enter the Four Nations - has already been cleared. Like Argentina, many of Samoa's best players are based in Europe.
The bigger challenge will be around commercial viability. The IRB has ploughed close to $5m into Argentina's and Sanzar's coffers to smooth the transition. Similar money would need to be found for Samoa to enter the competition and help would also be needed in finding sponsors.
Bigger questions have to be asked about whether Samoa could realistically host major tests or whether they could be based in Auckland or Australia.
