Graham Rowntree has braced Twickenham for a thunderous forward collision as England launch their final assault on the Six Nations title on Saturday.
Ireland and Wales are also in the hunt for the crown on a day promising captivating sporting theatre that will unfold over three staggered kick-offs, with points difference almost certain to decide the outcome as all three sides start the day on four points.
Bringing down the curtain is England’s clash with France, after Italy host Wales and Ireland have played at Scotland. It is the English who occupy pole position, knowing exactly what is required to win a first piece of silverware under coach Stuart Lancaster.
Pivotal to the outcome at Twickenham will be the battle between two huge packs.
“France’s pack are always a challenge. They’re huge men,” said Rowntree, the England forwards coach.
“They’re always a real test. You don’t get many tougher tests as a forward than playing against a French pack. Last weekend, they used their size to their advantage against Italy. They scrummed well against Italy and drove well.
“There aren’t many teams doing that to Italy at the moment, and I’ve no doubt they’ll come to Twickenham looking to do the same to us.
“There is a real hunger and determination about the players this week. Any French team that comes to Twickenham is a handful, regardless of what’s riding on the game.”
Lancaster has already said he will not make his team talk until the conclusion of Ireland’s game. By that time, England will know what they need to do, in terms of a winning margin, to lift the Six Nations trophy for the first time since 2011.
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Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
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