BBQ welcomes Boks to Wellington
Sat, 03 Sep 2011 6:39p.m.
Patrick Lambie and Tendai Mtawarira man the BBQ
By Di O’Connell
Well rugby and barbecues have helped define both South Africans and Kiwis.
So it was a natural choice to welcome the Springboks to Wellington with a barbie as they defend their Rugby World Cup title, starting by turning the heat up on their first opponents Wales.
Patrick Lambie and Tendai Mtawarira took their turn on the tongs for the team. The champions first hope to skewer Wales.
Captain John Smit says “it will be a colossal battle and one that will shape the journey forwards for both of the teams”.
That journey will not be a party for the Pool D runners-up, who ever that turns out to be is likely to meet Australia in the quarters rather than Ireland or Italy.
Wales are confident after three close games against the Springboks. Coach Warren Gatland says there has not been a lot between the two teams previously.
“We've just got to get over that final hurdle and get the win next to our name.”
They were not as tuneful as the Welsh welcome singers but the South African fans were still vocal when the team arrived at midnight.
The Springboks made to feel welcome in the capital with a home-style BBQ.
The chef singing the sausage praises, boerewors sausage especially made for the boys”.
And with a doctor on the team there is no worries about a repeat of the All Blacks 1995 RWC food poisoning conspiracy.
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