Lock: Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)<\/p>\n
A towering competitor and inspirational captain, Alun Wyn Jones became rugby\u2019s most-capped player through relentless commitment and leadership. His professionalism and intensity earned universal respect across the rugby world.<\/p>\n
Owens said: \u201cA man of few words, he does his talking on the field with his actions. Not only is he a brilliant player and a very good captain but I don\u2019t think I have reffed a match where he hasn\u2019t given absolutely everything.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lock: Paul O\u2019Connell (Ireland)<\/p>\n
The heart and soul of every team he led, O\u2019Connell inspired through sheer will and ferocious work rate. A commanding figure for Munster, Ireland, and the Lions, he remains synonymous with passion, humility, and excellence.<\/p>\n
Owens said: \u201cQuite simply he was just an exceptional leader. I have been in charge of games where he pretty much carried his team, whether it was Munster or Ireland, almost on his back and onto victory.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blindside-flanker: Thierry Dusautoir (France)<\/p>\n
Renowned for courage and composure, Dusautoir\u2019s 38-tackle effort against New Zealand in 2007 defined his warrior spirit. A model of dignity and discipline, the former France captain exemplified leadership through deeds, not words.<\/p>\n
Owens said: \u201cMy choice as the best skipper I encountered may raise a few eyebrows, but what a captain Dusautoir was. He 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlso, he was exemplary in the way he conducted himself.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere were never any complaints from him over refereeing, not even when borderline decisions went against France. When his team were crushed 62-13 by New Zealand during the 2015 World Cup, he wasn\u2019t tempted to blame anyone.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe acted as a true leader should act.\u201d<\/p>\n
Openside-flanker: Richie McCaw (New Zealand)<\/p>\n
Perhaps the greatest player of all time, McCaw redefined leadership and endurance in the professional era. A two-time World Cup-winning captain, his humility and competitive fire made him the benchmark for excellence in modern rugby.<\/p>\n
Owens said: \u201cEven though there\u2019s been David Pocock and others in this position, how can I not go with Richie?<\/p>\n
\u201cIf anybody had to pick the greatest player in history, it would surely be a difficult choice between him and Gareth Edwards.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow McCaw managed to put his body on the line and sometimes the wrong side at rucks for so many years at flanker is incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Number 8: Sergio Parisse (Italy)<\/p>\n
Italy\u2019s talisman for over two decades, Parisse combined flair, athleticism, and tactical intelligence to shine even when his teams struggled. Universally respected, he embodied grace under pressure and pride in national colours.<\/p>\n
Owens said: \u201cI\u2019ve been fortunate to have refereed some tremendous No.8s during my career but Sergio is tops. He\u2019s such a talented player and rarely has a bad game.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe there\u2019s a tendency to try and do too much because he\u2019s been in an Italy or Stade Francais team which hasn\u2019t been at its best, but he\u2019s been extraordinary.\u201d<\/p>\n
EDITORS PICKS:\u00a0<\/p>\n
Like this:<\/p>\n
Like Loading…<\/p>\n