Pichot was Pumas inspiration

Argentina dedicated their first Rugby Championship victory after 16 losses and a draw over three seasons to former star Agustin Pichot.

Pichot, an inspirational scrumhalf and skipper when the Pumas finished third at the 2007 World Cup, was widely praised after a come-from-behind 21-17 victory.

Coach Daniel Hourcade, skipper and hooker Agustin Creevy and long-serving inside centre Juan Martin Hernandez were among those who lauded Pichot.

The 40-year-old played a key role in convincing southern hemisphere officials two years ago to expand a Tri-nations tournament featuring Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and include Argentina.

"I thank Agustin for his support and leadership," said Hourcade, who replaced Santiago Phelan last year after two winless Rugby Championship campaigns.

Creevy said: "I am grateful to Agustin for his unconditional support."

"Many people were involved in making this dream come true, but I want to dedicate the victory to Agustin, " said Hernandez.

Ambitious Argentina, the lone top-tier rugby nation in South America, will enter the Super 18 inter-provincial competition in 2016 and take another giant step forward.

But there was also praise for the Mendoza crowd, who filled much of the 40,000-seat stadium in the western Argentine city at the foothills of the Andes.

"To see their reaction at the final whistle was incredible," said England-based Test veteran Creevy.

Leading 2014 Rugby Championship points scorer Sanchez added: "We are always warmly received here and have achieved good results."

Argentina tackled South Africa in Mendoza in 2012 and 2013, drawing the first match and unluckily losing the second by five points.

SAPA