#2. Paul O\u2019Connell & Brian O\u2019Driscoll (Ireland)<\/p>\n
O\u2019Connell is a former Irish rugby union player known for his towering presence and exceptional leadership skills.<\/p>\n
As a lock, he captained Ireland and the British and Irish Lions, leading them to memorable victories. O\u2019Connell\u2019s fearless competitiveness and humility made him a respected figure in the rugby community.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, O\u2019Driscoll is an iconic Irish rugby union player and one of the greatest centres in the game\u2019s history. <\/p>\n
His exceptional skill set, speed, and agility made him a constant threat on the field. O\u2019Driscoll captained both Ireland and the British and Irish Lions, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.<\/p>\n
Owens said: \u201cI\u2019m classing this as a joint-ticket as whenever I seemed to ref Ireland in their day O\u2019Driscoll was captain and O\u2019Connell was vice-skipper. <\/p>\n
\u201cO\u2019Driscoll actually used to tell me if there were issues with the forwards then I should chat to O\u2019Connell.<\/p>\n
I found them excellent to deal with.\u201d<\/p>\n
#1. Thierry Dusautoir (France)<\/p>\n
Dusautoir is a retired French rugby union player renowned for his incredible defensive skills and fearless tackling. As a flanker, he captained the French national team from 2009 to 2015 and was a key figure in their formidable defense.<\/p>\n
The flankers physicality, tenacity, and ability to disrupt opponents\u2019 play made him a formidable force on the field. He earned numerous accolades throughout his career, including the prestigious World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2011. <\/p>\n
Dusautoir\u2019s leadership and dedication to the sport have left a lasting legacy, inspiring aspiring rugby players around the world.<\/p>\n
Owens said: \u201cMy choice as the best skipper I encountered may raise a few eyebrows, but what a captain Dusautoir was. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe unfailingly put his body on the line throughout his career \u2014 recall the 38 tackles he made when France knocked the All Blacks out of the 2007 World Cup \u2014 led by example and understood the game very well.\u201d<\/p>\n
EDITORS PICKS<\/p>\n
Can you name all 26 teams to have played at the Men\u2019s Rugby World Cups?<\/p>\n
You\u2019ve got just\u00a05 minutes\u00a0on the clock \u2013 no pressure!\u00a0<\/p>\n
Join the\u00a0RUCK\u2019s WhatsApp community here<\/a>\u00a0and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.<\/p>\n The popular referee selected his picks for Wales Online<\/a>, but set out at the start that he wouldn\u2019t be picking any Welshman in his selection.<\/p>\n \u201cI am not going to include any Welsh players on my list because I haven\u2019t refereed them in international matches. <\/p>\n \u201cAnyway, these are my top Test skippers ranked, Welshmen aside.\u201d<\/p>\n