South African · Cradock, South Africa · Born 23 September 1958South African centre widely regarded as one of the most naturally gifted midfield backs the game has ever produced, whose devastating pace and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for opposing defences.
Danie Gerber was South Africa's brilliant centre of the 1980s, widely regarded as the finest centre of his era despite playing most of his career in isolation from the international game. His exceptional pace — remarkable for a player of his size and power — combined with excellent handling and powerful defence, produced performances that his contemporaries described as the finest centre play they had seen.
He scored 19 tries in just 24 Test matches, an exceptional strike rate for a centre in international rugby.
How They Played
Gerber was an attacking centre with exceptional pace and finishing ability, rare qualities for players in his position during that era. He possessed strong running lines and the vision to exploit gaps in defensive systems, making him a constant threat in the backline.
Lasting Impact
Gerber is remembered as one of the finest centres in South African rugby history, with his try-scoring record from the centre position remaining remarkable even decades later.
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Province | 1980–1992 | 181 | 24 | #13 |
 South Africa | — | 24 | 19 | — |
South African Athletes