Todeschini accepts Pumas snub

Montpellier fly-half Federico Todeschini accepts Argentina are entering a new phase after he was left out of coach Santiago Phelan's squad to face world champions South Africa next month.

The Pumas take on the Springboks in Johannesburg on August 9 as part of Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday celebrations, but 32-year-old Todeschini was not selected.

"The truth is that the coaches have to piece together a new team thinking about the next World Cup and they decided to start now," Todeschini told Rugbyfun.com. "I am not going to play any more."

He added: "The Tests against Scotland in Rosario and Buenos Aires (in June) were my last ones for the Pumas.

"The boys who are coming through need games and, sadly, the Pumas don't have a lot of games during the season.

"I am not hurt, but I already feel nostalgia. If it were my decision, I would play 10 more years in the squad, but I believe that the decision they made was the best."

The Rosario-born player said the 21-17 triumph against Scotland on June 7 in his home city was the perfect farewell match.

"It was spectacular, unbelievable," Todeschini added. "I will always remember it. It was the best farewell I could have had."