Henry says future is bright for Argentina

As Argentina made their way home on Monday, New Zealand coach Graham Henry heaped praise on them and said better days are ahead for the South Americans.

While the All Blacks beat Argentina 33-10 in Sunday's quarter-final at Eden Park, the score was not an indication of the competitiveness of the match, with All Blacks captain Richie McCaw saying the Pumas' determined defence reflects their passion for rugby.

The loss might have stung the Pumas, but they can take solace in the knowledge they held the All Blacks until the 67th minute before conceding a try. It took the All Blacks longer in only four of all previous World Cup matches, in three of which they did not touch down at all.

Asked about his opponents, Henry welcomed the Pumas to an expanded Tri Nations tournament next August.

"I think they will get better because they will be playing against quality squads week in and week out and I think that would be great for Argentine rugby,'' said Henry.

"As New Zealanders, we are looking forward to being involved in that and I think it will be great for us and great for Argentinian rugby."

Those sentiments were shared by Pumas coach Santiago Phelan.

"It will be very important for Argentinian rugby to play teams of this calibre every year. It will be a tough competition, but Argentine rugby will grow,'' he said.