"Greatest player in history" - Nigel Owens ranks his six best all-time World Cup players
Rugby NewsTuesday, 03 October 2023 at 20:24
Popular Welsh referee flanker Nigel Owens recently picked his all-time dream team, singling these five out for specific praise.
Born on June 18, 1971, in Wales, he began his officiating career in local matches before ascending to international prominence.
Renowned for his clear and authoritative communication on the field, Owens has refereed countless high-profile matches, including multiple Rugby World Cup finals and Six Nations fixtures.
Beyond his officiating prowess, Owens is celebrated for his courage in publicly addressing his personal struggles, notably his coming out as gay, becoming an LGBTQ+ advocate and spokesperson.
His impact on rugby transcends the field, making him a respected and inspirational figure within the sport and beyond.
This list doesn't include any Welshman due to his bias.
Nigel Owens ranks the five best players he refereed
#6. Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Scottish rugby sensation and fullback, Hogg, was known for his electric pace and dazzling runs. A British and Irish Lion, he was a crucial figure for Scotland and Exeter Chiefs prior to his retirement last month.
Owens said: "How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting."
#5. Shane Williams (Wales)
Welsh rugby wizard, Williams dazzled with his speed and try-scoring ability. The diminutive winger remains an icon of Welsh rugby, thrilling fans worldwide.
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”
#4. Thierry Dusautoir (France)
French rugby stalwart Thierry Dusautoir was a formidable flanker and captain. He led France to the 2011 World Cup final and was celebrated for his defensive prowess.
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."
England's, Toby Flood fall short of the try line and is taken off the field after France's, Thierry Dusautoir landed on him - Photo mandatory by-line: Jan Kruger / Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile: 0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 768 6958 48 - 150309 - SPORT - RUGBY - RBS 6 NATIONS - England v France - Twickenham
#3. Dan Carter (New Zealand)
Owens said: "There are lots of outside-halves who have been great, but not one who has done it over so many years like Carter.
"Before the 2015 World Cup, some people said he was past his best and wouldn’t make the New Zealand squad for the tournament.
"But for Carter to come back from injury and play as well as he did then is a sign of a special player."
#2. Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
Irish rugby legend Brian O'Driscoll is a record-breaking centre. His skill, leadership, and numerous caps for Ireland and the British and Irish Lions cement his legacy.
Owens said: "Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well.
"O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
"A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch."
#1. Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
Legendary All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is hailed as one of rugby's greatest openside flankers, amassing numerous accolades and leading New Zealand to back-to-back World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015.
Owens said: "If anybody had to pick the greatest player in history, it would surely be a difficult choice between him and Gareth Edwards.
"How McCaw managed to put his body on the line and sometimes the wrong side at rucks for so many years at flanker is incredible."
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Richie McCaw of New Zealand lifts the trophy after victory during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and Australia at Twickenham Stadium on October 31, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
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