Pumas could play Tri-Nations teams

Side Show: Argentina are set for one-off games during the Tri-Nations

Argentina will be offered the chance to play the SANZAR unions this year, without actually joining the Tri-Nations.

Although they will not be an active competitor in the tournament, Argentina will be offered games by SANZAR when the three competing countries - New Zealand, Australia and South Africa - have free weekends this year, it was reported by The Times on Sunday.

South African Rugby Union managing director Jonathon Stones is reported as having confirmed that Argentina had been sent an invitation by SANZAR.

The invitation is, however, subject to the availability of Argentina's best players whose relationship with the Argentine Rugby Union has deteriorated since the World Cup.

Argentina finished third at the World Cup yet the players have reportedly still not been paid for their stellar performance.

The IRB is keeping a close eye on the state of the game in Argentina. The world governing body is said to be holding a £2.5m ($4.6m) payment until the administration is settled.

Argentina have been seeking to join one of the major international tournaments, either the Six Nations or the Tri-Nations, but their lack of a professional domestic league has been a major stumbling block, and most of their top players are on the pay roles of European clubs.

A formal response will be expected before March 5.

SANZAR is said to be studying the consequences of Argentina's future inclusion in the tournament.