Argentina will finally see a dream become reality on Saturday, with a match against South Africa in the expanded Tri-Nations competition.

The original Tri-Nations started in 1996, with just South Africa, New Zealand and Australia in the lineup. It was expanded this year to include Argentina and rebranded as the Rugby Championship.

The Pumas have been lobbying since 2005 for more regular test matches against top tier nations. Their third-place finish at the 2007 World Cup forced the International Rugby Board’s hand, with the southern hemisphere teams agreeing to expand the Tri-Nations.

But the Argentines have to promise to field a full strength side and work to develop a domestic professional league. Argentina coach Santiago Phelan is aware of South Africa's qualities and is looking forward to Saturday's challenge.