Biography
Daniël Mattheus Gerber, widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in rugby history, was born on April 14, 1958, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Known for his power, pace, and ability to break through defenses, Gerber left an indelible mark on the sport during an international career spanning from 1980 to 1992. Despite South Africa’s isolation due to apartheid, Gerber’s talent earned him worldwide recognition.
Teams Played For and Years
- Eastern Province: 1978, 1980–1990
- Western Province: 1991–1993
- L’Aquila (Italy): 1993–1994
- Orange Free State: 1994
International Career
- Represented South Africa (Springboks) in 24 test matches, scoring 19 tries (82 points).
- Played a total of 35 matches for the Springboks, scoring 28 tries.
- Known for his incredible try-scoring ability, he held the South African record for 19 test tries until 1997.
Most Important Moments in His Sporting Career
- Springbok Debut (1980): Made his debut for South Africa against the Jaguars in Montevideo, Uruguay, scoring a try in his first test.
- 1981 New Zealand Tour: Played in the controversial Springbok tour to New Zealand, showcasing his skills against the All Blacks despite political tensions.
- 1982 Jaguar Series: Scored three tries in a dominant 50–18 victory over the Jaguars in Pretoria.
- 1984 England Series: Scored four tries across two test matches against England, including a hat-trick in Johannesburg, solidifying his status as one of rugby’s premier centers.
- 1986 Cavaliers Series: Contributed to South Africa’s 3–1 series victory over the New Zealand Cavaliers, scoring in the decisive matches.
- 1992 Return to International Rugby: Played in South Africa’s return to international competition against New Zealand and Australia, scoring two tries against the All Blacks in Johannesburg.
- Final Test Match (1992): Represented the Springboks against England at Twickenham, ending an illustrious international career.
Achievements and Records
- Currie Cup Success: Played extensively for Eastern Province, Western Province, and Orange Free State, scoring 49 tries in the competition.
- Italian Championship (1994): Won the Italian championship with L’Aquila Rugby during his stint in Europe.
- Rugby Player of the Year (1984): Named South African Rugby Player of the Year for his stellar performances.
- International Rugby Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2007 for his outstanding contributions to the sport.
Legacy and Recognition
- Included in Bill McLaren’s World XV and the Midi Olympique All-Time XV, alongside legends like Jonah Lomu, Gareth Edwards, and Philippe Sella.
- Renowned commentator Bill McLaren praised him as one of the greatest centers ever, thanks to his combination of power, agility, and intelligence on the field.
Statistics
- International Tests: 24 matches, 19 tries, 1 conversion (82 points).
- Overall Springbok Matches: 35 matches, 28 tries.
- First-Class Matches: 261 matches, 158 tries, including 116 matches and 48 tries for Eastern Province.
Personal Life
Danie Gerber hails from a rugby family. His son, Danré Gerber, played professionally in France, while his nephew, Sam Gerber, represented Bayonne in the French Top 14. Gerber is remembered not just for his rugby prowess but also for his humility and sportsmanship.