#1. Thierry Dusautoir (France)
Dusautoir, born on November 18, 1981, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, is a rugby union legend. Renowned for his exceptional skills and fearless leadership, he captained the French national team and played for Stade Toulousain. Dusautoir’s resilience and commitment made him a beloved figure in the world of rugby.
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.”
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