How did it feel when you got the call-up to start for the DHL Stormers against the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld this year?
“It was a very exciting time, but I was also quite stressed. I had just recovered from an ankle injury, so it was my first match in three months. On top of that, I had to start the game. It was also played at altitude and I had to compete against Victor Matfield! But it was an incredible experience and I don’t think I could have asked for a better game in which to make my debut.”
You are the fourth generation in your family to play for DHL Western Province. Tell us about that.
“My great-grandfather, Jan Gerber, played for WP between 1927 and 1929, and my mom’s one uncle, Johan Gerber, from 1965 to 1970. Jan Maree, who played for WP in the 1990s, is my mom’s brother. They were also locks.”
What brought you to Cape Town?
“I came to study engineering at the University of Stellenbosch and was in the Simonsberg residence. It was not at all in my planning to play rugby at this level. I played for Maties and got into the WP structures after playing an U19 trial match against the WP Institute. I then progressed through the U21 and Vodacom Cup ranks before playing for the DHL Stormers and now in the Absa Currie Cup.”
What do you think are your best attributes as a player?
“I’d say my defence and physicality. If there is something I could choose to do, it would be to tackle an opponent. When I played at U19 level, there wasn’t anything I was particularly good at except for tackling. I attended Linden High in Johannesburg and our rugby wasn’t very good, so I never really progressed as a player.”
You are playing as a No.4 lock, but you have the physical attributes of a No.5. Where do you see your future?
“The coaches pretty much determine your future. I’ll play at No.5, but I see myself as a No.4 lock. I’ve played No.5 lock for the U21 team and can call the line-outs, so it’s in my repertoire. But I believe I’m better at No.4.”
Having started playing rugby seriously quite late, are there areas in your game you feel still need a bit of work?
“I don’t think any player can be good enough – there is always room for improvement. I have to work on my passing because it isn’t at the level where it should be.”
Yet it was with a good pass that you created a try for No.8 Nizaam Carr in the match against the Blue Bulls at DHL Newlands!
“I’m definitely making progress. There’s hardly a resemblance to the player I was two years ago.”
Is it good to be playing in the same province as Eben Etzebeth?
“Yes, definitely. It’s an incredible opportunity to be able to learn from him. I haven’t had much interaction with him because he was injured for a while and played only briefly with the Absa Currie Cup team, but I’m sure I’ll get pointers from him soon. You don’t just gain experience from playing, you also learn a lot from the people around you.”
Do you have a role model?
“I look up to Duane Vermeulen. He’s a very good example of how one should be. He’s very humble and I’ve also learned a lot from him technically. He was always willing to help me when I came into the set-up and always gave me tips.”
Are you still studying or focusing solely on rugby?
“I have just started studying financial management through Unisa. Unfortunately, studying engineering and having a rugby career aren’t compatible.”
Who is your roommate during away games and what are his bad habits?
“It’s usually Manuel Carizza, who is one of the oldest guys in the team, whereas I’m one of the youngest. We’re both laidback guys and I can’t say he has any bad habits!”
What do you keep yourself busy with away from the rugby set-up?
“I study and also enjoy cooking. My speciality is pork belly!”
DHL Western Province Matchday Magazine