Contepomi poised for Pumas farewell after French Test

Argentina captain Felipe Contepomi could close out his international career on Saturday, dealing a blow to the Pumas ahead of their entry into the rebranded southern hemisphere championship later this year. The 34-year-old utility back starred at centre last weekend as Argentina defeated France 23-20 in the first Test in Cordoba, a result that left the tourists without a win in Argentina for 13 years. Stade Francais star Contepomi is likely to be a thorn in the side of the French again in the second Test in Tucuman on Saturday in what could be an emotional farewell. Argentina take on New Zealand, Australia and South Africa in the Rugby Championship, which replaces the Tri-Nations, with the Springboks first up for the Pumas in Durban on August 18. By that time, however, Contepomi is expected to be back on club duty in France with his Paris employers. "To play in the Four Nations, you have to prepare in July. The Argentine federation has an agreement with the European clubs -- those that play in the June internationals won't take part in the new championship," he said. "I am going to take four weeks vacation and then I will take part in pre-season training with Stade Francais. If the coaches want it, I will always be here. But I don't think I can play in the Four Nations." Pumas coach Santiago Phelan has been working with two squads in mind -- the first, with the country's best players at its heart, are resting. The second squad is made up mostly of the country's promising youngsters and with the team built around Contepomi they impressed against Italy in a 37-22 win as well as last week's first Test against the French. Contepomi has often haunted France -- on their last visit to Buenos Aires, the Pumas stormed to a 41-13 win with the Argentine star scoring two tries and grabbing 31 points. He scored 13 points last weekend, just seven days after he had become his country's leading points scorer, surpassing Hugo Porta. "He is the kind of player that you want in your team. He is the compete player who can play at fly-half, centre or full-back," said former international Diego Dominguez, who won two caps for Argentina before switching to Italy. Meanwhile, Phelan has made seven changes to the side that won last weekend's first Test. Tomas Cubelli and Benjamin Urdapilleta replace Martin Landajo and Ignacio Mieres at scrum-half and fly-half respectively. Joaquin Tuculet returns to full-back after playing in midfield in the first Test meaning Agustin Gosio wins his third cap at outside centre. Belisario Agulla, who scored the Pumas' first try last week, is dropped in favour of Facundo Barrea. In the forwards, hooker Andres Bordoy, loosehead prop Francisco Gomez Kodela, lock Julio Farias Cabello and number eight Leonardo Senatore are also called in. France will name their starting XV on Friday.