Wales vs South Africa: A stylish weekend in Cardiff
Welsh and South Africans share a deep love for rugby, a key part of their identity, making their matches both competitive and respectful.
The Welsh and South Africans are kindred spirits. Plonk a couple of sports fans from each country next to each other and invariably conversation will soon home in on their love of rugby.
The two nations are almost unique – we could include Kiwis in the conversation – in that rugby is the national game.
Their fortunes can affect the national mood, sense of identity and even the economy.
This is why any fixture between both sides is generally hugely competitive, but a good-natured affair, full of mutual admiration.
Many Welsh legends have earned respect from their Springboks counterparts playing in South Africa, with Gareth Edwards and Scott Gibbs still revered in the Rainbow Nation, while appreciation has been earned from Welsh crowds to Joost van der Westhuizen, Bryan Habana and Siya Kolisi, who have all graced the hallowed turf at the Principality Stadium.
Later this year will be the 24th time the Springboks have played in Cardiff.
In 112 years of fixtures between the sides, Wales registered their first victory in 1999 and on four subsequent occasions, they fashioned a victory over the four-time Rugby World Cup winners on Welsh soil.
Off the field there is always a warm welcome for masses of passionate green and gold-clad fans, staying in Cardiff, or further afield.
Cardiff may not boast the same amount of sunshine hours as South Africa’s sun-kissed coastline but close-by it has equally stunning beaches, jaw-dropping mountains and bottomless lakes, all within close proximity of the capital.
For fans heading down for the weekend, with time at a premium, these are some of best things about Cardiff for Springbok fans thinking of spending 48 intoxicating hours in the Welsh capital…
Location, location, location…
For Springbok fans who have visited the Aviva, Murrayfield and (Allianz) Twickenham, they’ll know its proximity to the town centre is a bit of a hike.
Not so in Cardiff!
Once off the train, you’re a five-minute walk from the national stadium and the same again away from the pubs, clubs and hotels of the capital.
It is easily accessible by road, but it does get chocka, so make sure you leave plenty of time, because you don’t want to miss the action.
Pre-match nutrition…
It’s a good idea to sample the local produce if you’re mooching round the streets of Cardiff pre-game, so if it’s a sumptuous Welsh cake in Cardiff Market, or some laverbread at Daffodil Restaurant in Windsor Place, you’ll find some delicious fare in what is increasingly becoming a foodie paradise.
If you yearn for a taste closer to home, the iconic Wally’s Delicatessen in the Royal Arcade can sort you out with some biltong or beef jerky that ex-pats swear by.
Sinking a few pints…
If you fancy some libation before heading to the ground, Cardiff is renowned for its Brains bitter and in pubs like the Rummer Tavern, which dates back to 1713, you can recline and relax and take in the sights and sounds of Cardiff.
The Cottage is another traditional hostelry, which dates back to 1863, with strong rugby links and Brains IPA on tap.
Bars and brasseries
Cardiff is overflowing with heaving bars on matchday.
Head of Steam is a popular spit and sawdust pub, while the Botanist is a herbaceous venue to grab some food in a stylish setting.
Both are a few minutes walk from the Principality Stadium.
If gin is your tipple, Bootlegger on Womanby Street is a prohibition-style bar with over 100 gins to choose from.
For a more bougie evening, the Coppa Club is a recently opened all-day bar on the Hayes with a huge atrium to enjoy a cocktail or graze with some nibbles or something heartier.
The foodie experience…
If you want to venture somewhere more upscale, Cardiff has 11 Michelin Starred restaurants, with Asador 44, Pasture and the Potted Pig revered by locals.
If you want a rugby experience, the recently refurbished five-star Parkgate Hotel is a stone’s throw from the stadium and their restaurant,
The Sorting Room, is highly-regarded. For somewhere out of town, but a 10-minute walk, Thomas, the eponymously named restaurant of Tom Simmons in Pontcanna, is a chic destination where you may bump into the odd famous Welsh international.
On the doorstep …
A bracing walk on Garth Mountain a few miles outside the city will blow away the cobwebs, while Cardiff Bay allows you to take in the bracing sea air, while taking in the stunning architecture of a rejuvenated area, which had previously exported the coal, mined in the valleys, before being shipped around the world. St Fagans, a heritage museum gives you a window into how life used to look in Wales, while Caerphilly Castle is one of the largest fortifications in Europe and dates back to the 14th century. Penarth Pier Pavilion is another classic example of Victoriana South Wales.
Heading further afield…
The beaches of the Gower and West Wales are easy on the eye, and just a few hours drive, while you can take in the breathtaking vistas afforded by the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), the refined book shops in Hay-on-Wye, or delve into Wales’ coal-mining past at the Big Pit Museum.
If you really want to get your adrenalin pumping head to Zip World, as you fizz at speeds of up to 70mph down Rhigos Mountain.
As well as savouring some rip-roaring action on the pitch, Cardiff can deliver a world-class experience off it, so come and join us on November 23, at Principality Stadium.
Wales vs South Africa, Kick-off: 17.40 – Tickets from £50 adults and £25 U18s