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For Jonathan Kaplan, an international refereeing legend and a man who officiated in 70 Test matches, Welshman Nigel Owens is without a doubt the best referee currently in world rugby.
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Sport24 asked Kaplan his views on the men who control the game during a wide-ranging interview last week.
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Kaplan, who officiated in his first Test in 1996, says Owens has several contributing factors that make him the best in the world.
"Nigel has been my choice probably since I have retired, I would say," said Kaplan.
"I know that (Wayne) Barnes has done well and may have got a crack at this final (2019 Rugby World Cup) had England not made it, but I vastly prefer Owens' style and how he promotes the game.
"I think he has refereed some of the best rugby games I have seen. I just think he is a mile ahead," he added.
Kaplan himself officiated at four Rugby World Cups - 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011 - including the semi-final between England and France in 2007.
In all, he refereed 425 first-class matches and brought to the game a style and application that was unique.
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