#3. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)<\/p>\n
Revered New Zealand rugby icon hailed as one of the greatest openside flankers in history. McCaw\u2019s unparalleled prowess in the breakdown and his tactical acumen made him a pivotal figure in the All Blacks\u2019 dominance, culminating in back-to-back Rugby World Cup victories.<\/p>\n
Owens said: \u201cHe\u2019s right up on any list of rugby\u2019s greatest players.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe he will be at the top for many people.<\/p>\n
\u201cNew Zealand won something like nine out of every 10 games in which he led them, but the mark of Richie McCaw was how he conducted himself when the All Blacks lost.\u201d<\/p>\n
#2. Paul O\u2019Connell & Brian O\u2019Driscoll (Ireland)<\/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