Faye Church, chartered senior financial planner, Investec Wealth & Investment (UK)
What is your prediction for the match?
It could be a very close game. Both teams bowed out of the World Cup too early, so they will be looking for a good start to the Six Nations tournament. England will be hoping to build on their win against Italy, having won the last seven home matches against Wales. Wales will be wanting a win, having dominated the second half against Scotland and just falling short. It is a game that could go either way.
How do you think England will fare throughout the tournament?
England have had to replace the old guard that have retired, some of them in key positions. They still have many players left over from the World Cup squad though, so if the new players can start to gel with the old then England should do well. Hopefully, England will improve on last weekend’s performance, otherwise, they may very well be batting the wooden spoon away. England will be looking for a top-three finish this year, possibly third behind Ireland and France.
What skill is required in both rugby and portfolio management?
Both rugby and portfolio management are about using your skills and knowledge to do the best job possible. You have to consistently deliver, as when it goes wrong – which does happen from time to time – it can be hard to recover from. Both require individuals to be tactically aware, composers of the orchestra, implement a strategy and make changes throughout the match.
Which rugby player would make a good fund manager, and why?
Jonny Wilkinson’s step into financial advice shows there are certainly transferrable skills between the two; Jonny being calm under pressure and an excellent decision-maker. But more current, Marcus Smith, who also plays fly half, displays the qualities mentioned above. A playmaker like Marcus will look to implement their strategy, while also needing to react effectively in an ever-changing landscape.
Andrew Lewis, senior investment director, head of Wales, Brooks Macdonald
What is your prediction for the match?
My heart wants Wales to win, but my head expects England to prevail. However, it’s going to be competitive and won’t be easy for either team.
How do you think Wales will fare throughout this tournament?
At the naming of the squad and particularly at halftime against Scotland, I was concerned that it was going to be a very tough series indeed. However, reflecting on all of last weekend’s matches, Ireland aside, I believe Wales has the potential to overcome any of the remaining teams, so I am feeling a lot more optimistic.
What skill is required in both rugby and portfolio management?
Great attention to detail, the ability to adjust to the situation, and most importantly staying cool when things get tough.
Which rugby player would make a good fund manager, and why?
Any of the best goal-kickers. Consistent investment outcomes come from a strong, repeatable process that is refined over time by rigorous analysis and testing. I witnessed this myself with Neil Jenkins, the greatest goal-kicker of my era. And then there was that other chap, Jonny… I can’t recall his last name.
