Top referee hails Siya Kolisi and Antoine Dupont as rugby's 'nicest captains'

The Englishman was speaking after taking charge of the Sharks' clash against Toulouse where the two players captained their respective sides.

Kolisi led the hosts while Dupont skippered Les Rouge et Noir as the visitors came out on top in the Investec Champions Cup clash.

Ugo Mola's men managed to secure a 20-8 triumph for their third successive victory in the competition.

It was effectively billed as a match between the Springboks and France given the number of current international stars on show.

Those countries have not faced each other since the Rugby World Cup quarter-final, a game eventual champions South Africa won 29-28.

That could have therefore led to a fraught encounter last weekend, but Pearce had nothing but praise for Kolisi and Dupont in how they conducted themselves.

"We all knew the potential baggage and carry on from the World Cup but you're dealing with world-class superstars who are so professional and very, very nice people," he told The Good, The Bad and The Rugby.

"In my experience so far, last weekend they were probably the nicest captains to ever work with, just so polite and pleasant and world-class at what they do.

"If only we could have more of that in every line of work."

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