Since rugby and braai are like peas in a pod this is the must have braai directory for the 2023 Rugby World Cup! For the biggest sporting event of the year, it is a given that fires for braais will be lit up weekend after weekend, and Herman Lensing’s more than 65 recipes will inspire you to create dishes you can prepare over the coals or in the fire. Rugby legends also share their career highlights.
IT’S IN OUR BLOOD… OR IS IT?
PLAY THE BALL • The most important sports equipment for a rugby match is of course the rugby ball. One of the reasons for its oval shape was to distinguish it from the soccer ball, but its design also helps with handling. Here are some quick facts about the modern rugby ball
FIRED UP • The braai is gaining star status in modern households. Move aside that halved steel drum filled with coals, because the new braais are in vogue…
“THE HIT THAT CHANGE MY LIFE” • For decades, South Africans have been laughing at his hidden cameras and wild antics that could send unsuspecting “victims” over the edge – often while uttering a string of expletives. Yet it is “Hie’ Kommie Bokke”, a rugby song released prior to the 1995 Rugby World Cup, that represents the absolute highlight in the long, colourful career of Leon “Schucks” Schuster. We chatted to everyone’s favourite comedian.
BRUSH UP ON BEER • There are more than 70 beer styles across the world, each with its own taste and appearance. What’s more, as in the case of wine, different types of beer complement different dishes. Here are eight of my favourite beer styles, along with their food friends
RICE & SHINE • It is never too early to braai. If the big rugby game is early in the morning, start the fire for a leisurely breakfast over the coals. What could be better than a cup of coffee with a smoky flavour?
A WHOPPER OF A BOK • He may have been one of the toughest Springboks in the history of South African rugby, but Bakkies Botha reveals to Suzanne Venter that he has a soft spot for a piece of biltong and a serving of malva pudding
10 BREAKFAST BRAAI FACTS & TIPS
BRAAI PANTRY
IT’S A STEAK-OUT! • When it comes to steak and its friends, nothing beats that tender, tasty centre, the browned crust with a piece of crispy fat, and the melt-in-the-mouth sauce that accompanies it. A high temperature and quality meat are the keys to success with this popular delicacy
A BEAR OF A BOK • As tight-head prop, Frans Malherbe is a block of a man on whom the Springbok team relies. Yet Suzanne Venter learnt that he is quite a softie at heart
10 STEAK-BRAAI FACTS & TIPS
BRAAI PANTRY
POST OF GOLD • The potjie is a firm fire favourite that doesn’t need much introduction. Most of us have a trusted family recipe for a potjie we can always rely on, but a castiron pot can be used for so much more than the traditional bredie over the coals
DYNAMITE IN A SMALL PACKAGE • Although he was never the biggest guy on the rugby field, Hennie le Roux was an absolute stalwart in his heyday. And he loves a piece of meat over the coals, as he reveals to Suzanne Venter
10 POTJIE FACTS AND TIPS
BRAAI PANTRY
THAT'LL DO, PIG! • Pork is the one versatile meat option we can all braai more often. It is affordable and full of flavour, and it loves fire. If you’re patient and use our clever tips, you’ll be rewarded with a feast to remember
GAME FOR ANYTHING • John Smit has 111 tests to his name and is the rugby player who has led the Boks as captain the most times. Yet this top achiever tells Suzanne Venter that he’ll never take himself too seriously
10 PORK BRAAI FACTS AND TIPS
BRAAI PANTRY
FIREBIRDS • Chicken is one of the most versatile sources of protein on our tables. There are so many cuts to choose from, and a whole...
