Lock: Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
Owens said: “A 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’t think I have reffed a match where he hasn’t given absolutely everything.”
Lock: Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
Owens said: “Quite 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.”
Blindside-flanker: Thierry Dusautoir (France)
Owens said: “My 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 — recall the 38 tackles he made when France knocked the All Blacks out of the 2007 World Cup — led by example and understood the game very well.
“Also, he was exemplary in the way he conducted himself.
“There 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’t tempted to blame anyone.
“He acted as a true leader should act.”
Openside-flanker: Chris Robshaw (England), replaced Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
Owens included Chris Robshaw on his list of best captains.
Known for his exceptional work rate and leadership skills, Robshaw was a dynamic flanker who made a significant impact on the field. He enjoyed a successful club career with Harlequins, where he played for over a decade. Robshaw’s dedication and commitment to the sport earned him numerous accolades and the respect of his peers.
Owens said: “Some people will be surprised at this one to start off. His misfortune was perhaps to be leading England during a difficult time, but he always gave everything for the cause, encouraging others to follow suit, and he was a nice guy off the pitch.”
Number 8: Sergio Parisse (Italy)
Owens said: “I’ve been fortunate to have refereed some tremendous No.8s during my career but Sergio is tops. He’s such a talented player and rarely has a bad game.
“Maybe there’s a tendency to try and do too much because he’s been in an Italy or Stade Francais team which hasn’t been at its best, but he’s been extraordinary.”
Can you name every player to score a hat-trick in the Six Nations?
In the thrilling world of the Guinness Six Nations, there’s nothing quite like the euphoria of bagging a hat-trick.
This extraordinary feat is as scarce as they come, with only 20 players accomplishing the remarkable three-try milestone since the Championship expanded to six nations in 2000.
Notably, a couple of players have even pulled off this astonishing feat twice, adding an extra layer of prestige to their rugby prowess.
Now, take a moment to rewind and test your memory. Can you recall the names of these exceptional hat-trick heroes?
If you manage a perfect score, you’ll undoubtedly be entitled to a celebration on par with the jubilant antics witnessed by some of the stars on this illustrious list.