South Africa's greatest referee of all time has outlined the reasons why Welshman Nigel Owens is 'a mile ahead' of any other official in the world game, including England's Wayne Barnes.
Jonathan Kaplan etched his name into the World Rugby record books when becoming the first referee to break the 50 Test milestone and was number one in the global game after officiating 70 internationals over a 17-year career.
He refereed four times at the Rugby World Cup, standing in third spot as World Rugby's most decorated official - so his opinion counts for something.
When asked who is the best official in the world today, Kaplan told Sport24 in his native South Africa: "Nigel has been my choice probably since I have retired, I would say.
"I know that (Wayne) Barnes has done well and may have got a crack at the final 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."
Owens broke Kaplan’s record when he took charge of Fiji v Tonga in 2016 and stands just two short of becoming the first referee to break the 100-Test milestone.
His extended contract with the Welsh Rugby Union gives Owens the chance to achieve that feat, with Barnes No.2 on the list on 90 Tests.
Wales Online columnist Owens took charge of the 2015 World Cup final between New Zealand and Australia. He also refereed the 2019 semi-final between England and New Zealand, although a calf injury ruled him out of contention for the final which was won by the Springboks.
