Frank Bunce, a legend among New Zealand's All Blacks, openly expressed his relief that his encounters with Danie Gerber came late in the South African's illustrious career. Despite the restrictions of apartheid hindering Gerber's international exposure until the early 90s, his talent was undeniable, especially evident in a narrow loss to the All Blacks where he scored twice.
While reflecting on their historic clashes, Bunce joined Justin Marshall on the GBRANZ podcast to delve into memories from their 1996 tour and Gerber's exceptional prowess on the field.
"He was just not like a back that was being produced back then."
Marshall marveled at Gerber's blend of size, power, speed, and skill, a rare combination for his era. Bunce echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Gerber's all-encompassing physicality.
"Man, the physique, just look at him, he could do everything. He would run over you, run through you, run around you, everything. For me he’s definitely in the conversation for the greatest centre ever."
As the discussion continued, Bunce reminisced about the 1992 match against the Springboks, humorously admitting he let Gerber score his two tries out of affection.
Justin Marshall playfully considered Gerber's performance, noting despite being past his peak, Gerber's ability to score demonstrated his exceptional skill.
In a candid recount of the nerves leading up to the test match, Bunce shared a moment from the night before the game, where he and teammate John Timu were taken aback by a highlight reel of Springboks rugby dominated by Gerber's exploits.
"We sat there and just watched Danie Gerber; just about everything was him, the whole thing. We were just looking at each other going, 'f***, look at this guy'. It wasn’t a good build-up."
Gerber's international rugby career concluded in 1992 with a match against England at Twickenham, but his legacy endures, inspiring discussions and admiration among rugby aficionados and former opponents alike.
As the conversation on the podcast wrapped up, the panelists also touched upon contemporary rugby strategies, hinting at the innovative tactics expected from both the All Blacks and their rivals in upcoming matches, a testament to the evolving nature of the game that once stars like Gerber helped shape.
The podcast serves not only as a reminder of past rivalries and legends but also as a bridge connecting the rich history of rugby to its dynamic present and promising future.
