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  • NewsWelsh Rugby

    “Ben Donaldson Takes the Helm as Australia Faces Wales in World Cup Showdown”

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    Title: Ben Donaldson Takes the Helm as Australia Faces Wales in World Cup ShowdownIn a pivotal Rugby World Cup clash, Australia’s head coach, Eddie Jones, has made a bold move by naming Ben Donaldson as the fly-half for the upcoming match against Wales in Lyon. This selection comes after a hard-fought defeat by Fiji, where Carter Gordon, who previously held the 10 jersey, was forced to leave the field.Donaldson, who started as a full-back in the first two World Cup games, now steps into the crucial fly-half role. This tactical shift is seen as a response to Gordon’s departure, and it signals the team’s determination to bounce back from their recent loss. Andrew Kellaway, another talented player, will assume the full-back position, ensuring that Australia remains a formidable force on the field.One key change in the lineup is the return of squad vice-captain and scrum-half, Tate McDermott. However, the leadership mantle remains with hooker David Porecki, who will continue to serve as captain. The squad sees three other personnel changes, with Rob Leota taking the place of Fraser McReight and Tom Hooper shifting to open-side.Eddie Jones’ decision to place his faith in Ben Donaldson at fly-half is significant. Notably, he opted not to select the experienced duo of Quade Cooper and Bernard Foley for the World Cup squad. Donaldson has tasted success against Wales before, starting at fly-half in a thrilling contest in Cardiff last November, where the Wallabies staged an incredible comeback to secure a 39-34 victory after trailing 34-13. This history adds intrigue to his return to the fly-half position for this pivotal encounter.The stakes are high for both teams. A victory for Wales in this weekend’s match would secure their spot in the quarter-finals, while a defeat for Australia would place them on the precipice of elimination from the World Cup’s pool stage for the first time in their history.Eddie Jones expressed the significance of this match, stating, Every team has matches like this during a Rugby World Cup, and for this young team, it is this week. We’ve prepared well, are focused on what we need to do, and we’ll be ready to fight on Sunday night.As anticipation builds for this World Cup showdown, the Australian team’s lineup boasts talent and determination. Key players like Kellaway, Donaldson, and McDermott will be eager to make their mark on the tournament. With Wales and Australia both eyeing victory, the OL Stadium in Lyon will be the stage for an unforgettable clash that could shape the destiny of these two rugby powerhouses.Australia Team to Face Wales:KellawayNawaqanitawasePetaiaKereviKoroibeteDonaldsonMcDermottBellPorecki (capt)SlipperFrostArnoldLeotaT HooperValetiniReplacements:
    16. FaesslerSchouppFa’amausiliPhilipMcReightWhiteGordonVunivalu

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  • NewsTottenham

    Ange Postecoglou: From Refugee Camps to Spurs’ Renaissance

    by admin

    Title: Ange Postecoglou: From Refugee Camps to Spurs’ RenaissanceAnge Postecoglou’s journey to becoming the manager of Tottenham Hotspur is a story of determination, footballing passion, and defying the odds. In a candid interview with ex-Tottenham striker Gary Lineker for Football Focus, Postecoglou opened up about his incredible life experiences and his vision for Spurs.The Refugee Story:Born in Greece, Postecoglou’s family made a bold move to Australia when he was just a young child. They left behind their homeland after a military coup left them with no business prospects. Their journey included staying in a refugee camp, facing uncertainty, but ultimately finding a place to call home. It was in Australia that Postecoglou’s love for football was nurtured, a connection he shared with his father, who had a deep passion for AEK Athens.Postecoglou’s father’s love for football became a bridge between father and son, transcending language barriers and offering moments of comfort and bonding. Match of the Day, featuring week-old footage from England, became a cherished tradition in their household, igniting Postecoglou’s passion for the sport.From Player to Manager:Postecoglou’s playing career, while not reaching the heights of stardom, served as a stepping stone to his true calling – coaching. His curiosity about the game and a desire to understand the ‘whys’ behind managerial decisions set him on a path towards leadership. At the young age of 22, he was already captaining a club, showcasing his innate leadership skills.His fascination with the game extended beyond the field. He devoured football literature, including Shoot magazines and stories from Liverpool’s legendary boot room. His admiration for Bill Shankly and the possession-focused football of 1970s Liverpool left a lasting imprint on his football philosophy.The Puskas Influence:One of the most intriguing chapters in Postecoglou’s journey was his time under the management of Ferenc Puskas at South Melbourne. Puskas, known for his attacking mentality and disdain for defending, left a significant mark on Postecoglou. The philosophy was simple: They score four, we score five. This bold approach challenged convention, and it was a style that Postecoglou would later adopt as a manager.Late Discovery in Europe:Despite a successful managerial career spanning 25 years, Postecoglou felt relatively unknown in Europe until recently. He recalls moments of frustration when he was introduced as if he were an unknown actor at a Hollywood audition. But his time in Japan, where he faced language barriers, was a pivotal period that bolstered his confidence.His journey to Europe, including his stint at Celtic and subsequent appointment as Spurs’ manager, was marked by being the last man standing. He expressed gratitude to Eddie Howe for passing on the Celtic job to him, recognizing the potential impact he could have at a club with passionate supporters.The Spurs Transformation:Postecoglou’s arrival at Tottenham marked a significant shift in the club’s footballing philosophy. He emphasized an attacking style of play, a stark departure from the more conservative approaches of previous managers. He acknowledged that this change would be challenging and might lead to occasional stumbles, but he praised the players for embracing this new vision.Life After Kane:Harry Kane’s departure from Tottenham to Bayern Munich was a significant moment in Postecoglou’s tenure. While he admitted to the desire to work with Kane, he understood the striker’s need for a new challenge. Postecoglou acknowledged Kane’s immense impact on the club but emphasized the need to move forward. He emphasized that Tottenham’s ambition goes beyond just winning a trophy, aiming to build a club that consistently competes for titles.In conclusion, Ange Postecoglou’s journey from a refugee camp to the helm of one of the world’s most prestigious football clubs is a testament to his unwavering passion for the game and his ability to overcome challenges. His vision for Tottenham Hotspur is rooted in attacking football, a departure from tradition, and a commitment to long-term success. As Spurs embark on this exciting new era, they do so under the leadership of a man who has spent a lifetime preparing for this moment.

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