New Zealand's Jordie Barrett in action with Canada's Jeff Hassler, New Zealand v Canada - Oita Stadium, Oita, Japan. REUTERS
Canadian fans wave ahead of the Rugby World Cup Pool B game at Oita Stadium between New Zealand and Canada in Oita, Japan. AP Photo
New Zealand's lock Scott Barrett (L) passes the ball to New Zealand's centre Sonny Bill Williams (R) during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between New Zealand and Canada at the Oita Stadium in Oita. AFP
New Zealand's Sonny Bill Williams (centre) is tackled by Canada's Ciaran Hearn (left) and Peter Nelson during the 2019 Rugby World Cup match at Oita Stadium, Japan. PA Photo
New Zealand's scrum-half Brad Weber, right, celebrates after scoring a try during the Rugby World Cup Pool B match against Canada at the Oita Stadium. AFP
France's prop Emerick Setiano (R) is tackled by US fly-half AJ MacGinty (C) and US hooker Joseph Taufete'e (L) during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between France and the United States at the Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium in Fukuoka. AFP
France's Baptiste Serin celebrates with France's Yacouba Camara scoring their fourth try, France v USA - Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium, Fukuoka, Japan. REUTERS
France's centre Gael Fickou (R) scores a try during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between France and the United States at the Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium in Fukuoka. AFP
Thretton Palamo (C) of the United States is tackled by Camille Lopez (L) and Sebastien Vahaamahina (R) of France during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Group C game between France and USA at Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium in Fukuoka, Japan. Getty Images
Sofiane Guitoune of France, left, runs past the U.S. defense during the Rugby World Cup Pool C game at Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium in Fukuoka, western Japan. AP
Maxime Medard of France and his daughter celebrate their victory after the Rugby World Cup 2019 Group C game between France and USA at Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium in Fukuoka, Japan. Getty Images
France's lock Paul Gabrillagues (2R) and US lock Nick Civetta (R) jump for the ball in a line out during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between France and the United States at the Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium in Fukuoka. AFP
US fly-half AJ MacGinty (C) passes the ball during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between France and the United States at the Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium in Fukuoka. AFP
TOPSHOT - France's flanker Yacouba Camara (2R) is tackled by US prop Titi Lamositele (R) during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool C match between France and the United States at the Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium in Fukuoka. AFP
Canadian rugby fans are seen in the stands prior to the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between New Zealand and Canada at the Oita Stadium in Oita. AFP
A All Blacks fan gestures ahead of the Rugby World Cup Pool B game at Oita Stadium between New Zealand and Canada in Oita, Japan. AP Photo
New Zealand's TJ Perenara in action with Canada's Peter Nelson New Zealand v Canada - Oita Stadium, Oita, Japan. REUTERS
Jefferson Poirot (obscured) of France scores a try during the Rugby World Cup match between France and USA in Fukuoka, Japan. EPA
New Zealand's wing Jordie Barrett scores All Blacks second try during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between New Zealand and Canada at the Oita Stadium in Oita. AFP
France's Arthur Iturria, right, is celebrated by supporters following their Rugby World Cup Pool C game at Fukuoka Hakatanomori Stadium between France and the United States in Fukuoka, Japan. France defeated the United States 33-9. AP
New Zealand's wing Jordie Barrett (L) breaks a tackle from Canada's full back Patrick Parfrey during the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between New Zealand and Canada at the Oita Stadium in Oita. AFP
Rugby World Cup 2019: Richie Mo’unga displays his class for All Blacks in rampant win over Canada
Given the way he inspired New Zealand to the largest win of the World Cup so far, it seems remarkable Mo’unga has only been an established part of this side since July
Remember that time when there was even a debate about whether Richie Mo’unga deserved the New Zealand No 10 shirt? What a joke that was.
Fair enough, there was some logic behind the theory that they might, in fact, want to stick with Beauden Barrett at the helm.
He had been named World Rugby player of the year in two of the three previous seasons, after all, and the All Black machine was purring nicely with him on the tiller.
And perhaps the new boy should be judged on tougher tests than that provided by Canada in the 63-0 win in Oita.
But Richie Mo’unga, though. What a player. Why change a winning formula – unless you can make it this much better?
Given the way he inspired New Zealand to the largest win of the World Cup so far, it seems remarkable Mo’unga has only been an established part of this side since July.
In just his seventh start at fly half for the All Blacks, he provided the ammunition as they swept aside their opposition in a nine-try rout.
OK, so it was a mismatch. A side going for a third World Cup title in succession, against the team who were the last of the 20 to qualify for Japan.
But this was an exhibition, a show of handling excellence that was like the Harlem Globetrotters without the showmanship.
Other coaches at this tournament have been instructing their players to modify their passing techniques, in a bid to cope with the high humidity.
The ball becomes like a “cake of soap”, as Eddie Jones, England’s coach, described it – making a push pass the safer option than the conventional spin one usually favoured by rugby union backs.
The All Blacks just regard it as a challenge, though, and they raise their standards accordingly – although they still expect more.
“It was tough in the humidity under this roof,” Kieran Read, the New Zealand captain, said in his post-match TV interview.
“We were dripping wet as soon as we ran out to start the game. It was difficult, but it is something to work on and know that we are going to get those conditions.”
Steve Hansen, the coach, said the conditions mitigated the few errors his side had made.
“It was a pretty good performance, if you break it down,” Hansen said.
“It was really difficult conditions. The humidity is unbelievable. Lots of people at home will be wondering why they are dropping so many balls.
“It is really very difficult, so I think they have done well.”
Canada never stood a chance. Aside from Mo’unga, New Zealand had three Barretts, a Sonny Bill Williams, and a load of heavy artillery besides.
Each of the Barrett brothers – Jordie, Beauden and Scott in that order – got on the scoresheet. The latter two would have doubled their tallies, too, had they not dropped a couple of schoolboy errors.
Second-row forward Scott was through in the first half, only to drop the ball in the process of touching it down.
More remarkably, the great Beauden was clean through in the final throes of the games after a breakaway from distance. Although the Canada defence were closing in, he still seemed set to make it to the line, only for the ball to writhe from his grasp inexplicably.
Williams gave Hansen a nudge to suggest he is worth a starting place in the big games, too, with a fine all-round performance that he capped with a try. Rieko Ioane will have hoped he achieved the same, too, with his try.
Shannon Frizell also crossed, replacement scrum half Brad Weber got two, and Mo’unga – the player of the match – landed all eight of his shots at goal.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Mobile phone packages comparison
A timeline of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language
2018: Formal work begins
November 2021: First 17 volumes launched
November 2022: Additional 19 volumes released
October 2023: Another 31 volumes released
November 2024: All 127 volumes completed
The team
Photographer: Mateusz Stefanowski at Art Factory Videographer: Jear Valasquez Fashion director: Sarah Maisey Make-up: Gulum Erzincan at Art Factory Model: Randa at Art Factory Videographer’s assistant: Zanong Magat Photographer’s assistant: Sophia Shlykova With thanks to Jubail Mangrove Park, Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
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.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
Fourth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit
As he spoke, Mr Aboul Gheit repeatedly referred to the need to tackle issues affecting the welfare of people across the region both in terms of preventing conflict and in pushing development.
Lebanon is scheduled to host the fourth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit in January that will see regional leaders gather to tackle the challenges facing the Middle East. The last such summit was held in 2013. Assistant Secretary-General Hossam Zaki told The National that the Beirut Summit “will be an opportunity for Arab leaders to discuss solely economic and social issues, the conference will not focus on political concerns such as Palestine, Syria or Libya". He added that its slogan will be “the individual is at the heart of development”, adding that it will focus on all elements of human capital.
THE BIO
Ms Al Ameri likes the variety of her job, and the daily environmental challenges she is presented with.
Regular contact with wildlife is the most appealing part of her role at the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi.
She loves to explore new destinations and lives by her motto of being a voice in the world, and not an echo.
She is the youngest of three children, and has a brother and sister.
Her favourite book, Moby Dick by Herman Melville helped inspire her towards a career exploring the natural world.
