Danie Gerber
Danie Gerber (born 14 April 1958 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa) is a former South African rugby union player, who played for South Africa between 1980 and 1992. He played mainly at inside or outside centre, but also on the wing. His international career was severely limited because of South Africa's sporting isolation caused by apartheid. He won only 24 caps for South Africa (scoring 19 tries), despite playing internationally for 12 years. However despite this, in 2007 he was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. Early life. Gerber initially played football and cricket at  school level, but accelerated quickly when starting rugby, playing for SA schools. Rugby career. In South African domestic rugby Gerber played 115 games for Eastern Province, 40 for Western Province and 24 for Orange Free State. Gerber's international career of games played and Points scored: Test history. Gerber scored 19 tries in 24 internationals, a very high strike rate for a centre. Style of play. Gerber had very high acceleration and pace, could sidestep off either foot, break tackles, had a clear vision of space on the field, and high ball skill levels (catching, passing and kicking). He was  also very solid in defence. Gerber attributed his sidestep to his early football. He trained extensively (particularly running, but also swimming, circuit training and weights) and had a high fitness level, which were unusual attributes before rugby went professional. Legacy. Gerber has been described as one of the greatest ever rugby centres. He has been named South Africa's greatest ever centre, and Naas Botha has said he is one of the greatest ever South African rugby players. Martin Johnson named him in his International Rugby Hall of Fame member's XV, and Bill McLaren's named him in his  'all time' XV. Personal life. Gerber is married to Elsabe. In 2002 he had heart surgery, and his family have a pattern of high cholesterol. References. http://www.espnscrum.com/southafrica/rugby/player/9270.html