Daniel Jacobus Erasmus

Long before the likes Tiaan Strauss, Dan Vickerman and Clyde Rathbone wore Wallaby gold, Daniel Erasmus became the first South African-born player to represent Australian in rugby union.

While born in small rural town of Bethel, the unofficial potato capital of the Republic, little is known of Erasmus’ early life / entry into rugby however reports confirmed that he came to Australia with several of his countrymen “in order to continue their studies into wool-classing’.

Built like a proverbial outhouse, with pace and physique to boot, Erasmus showed for Glebe-Balmain in the early rounds of the 1921 Sydney competition. It was written that Erasmus provided “plenty of thrills: when he was served with the ball”. In a match against Eastern Suburbs, The Daily Telegraph waxed lyrical when it wrote: “Erasmus played splendidly on the wing, registering the first try after a brilliant, dodgy run along the line. He is strong, heady and forceful player, quickly appreciative of an opening. His courage is a great asset, and when side-stepping and swerving are to no avail, he is not loath to smash into opposition with wonderful abandon and success”.

Just a few weeks later Erasmus was selected as a reserve for his first senior representative fixture, Metropolitan against New Zealand Universities at Manly Oval, however Larry Wogan’s withdrawal saw the big winger start in the local side’s 31-17 victory. “Considered by his club-mates the most promising of Sydney wingers” Erasmus picked up the nickname Racehorse after his namesake ‘Erasmus’, a mighty three-year old brown colt, ran a half-length second to stablemate Poitrel in the 1920 Melbourne Cup

Unfortunately, studies saw Erasmus travel to the country and as a result he missed much of the 1922 season. Nonetheless he returned in 1923 and made “the critics think hard by his improved play.” As a result, there were many who began to consider Erasmus “equally brilliant as Pup Raymond.” A high accolade indeed. Erasmus was subsequently named as a reserve for 3rd “Test” against the Maori and two days later played for Metropolitan against the tourists where he showed ‘distinct promise’ in the 16-16 draw.

Erasmus then won selection for the 1923 New South Wales tour to New Zealand however his journey “was an unpleasant experience” in very rough conditions and he was “unwell during most of the trip”. Recovered, Erasmus made his state debut in the opening fixture, the 16-29 loss to Wellington-Manawatu and a week later was named to face New Zealand in Dunedin. Although he did not know it at the time that match was also Erasmus’ official Test debut after an ARU decision in 1994 elevated the remaining 34 New South Wales matches played against international opposition in the 1920-28 period to Test status (the five 1927/28 Waratahs’ internationals were given Test status in 1986). However, as luck would have it, Erasmus was injured when ‘collared by Snodgrass’ and retired after 25 minutes.

He made it back for the second Test, where the visitors were humbled 6-34, scored after a ‘brilliant dash’ and created ‘big impressions’ however his handling was described as ‘uncertain’. ‘Sheik’ Bowers was brought into the side for the final Test, a change that saw Erasmus demoted to the reserve bench.

Reports suggest Erasmus was expected to play for Glebe in the 1924 Shute Shield however other unconfirmed sources claim he returned home to South Africa and played first class rugby for Transvaal.

Highlights

1923

Erasmus made his ‘Test’ debut on the right wing against New Zealand at Carisbrook. He won his second a final cap a week later in the 6-34, 2nd Test loss at Lancaster Park.