From Japanese cuisine to Kudu biltong in Mpumalanga, Springbok fetcher Kwagga Smith tackled a few questions from SA Rugby magazine.
What’s your favourite place to visit in Japan?
Coming back to my hometown in Japan, Iwata, is always nice and it’s easy-going in a countryside town. But in winter it’s probably Hakuba. It’s one of the cool ski resorts and I enjoy spending some time in the snow as it’s something else for us South Africans to experience.
What’s your favourite Japanese cuisine?
I love seafood, so the prawn tempura and calamari tempura is great.
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What was the biggest challenge in moving from South Africa to Japan?
The culture is totally different, but I must say Japan is a country where we easily fit in. The people are very generous and respectful, they help you a lot and it wasn’t difficult to move here. But ja, South Africa is my home and you’ll always miss home.
Do you have any pets back home?
My wife Ilke and I have two Wire Haired Fox Terriers. They stay with Ilke’s mom when we aren’t at home or in Japan. But when we’re there, they’re with us on the farm and we enjoy that a lot.
What do you miss most about South Africa?
It’s always tough going overseas for four to five months every year, but it’s a part of our lives we enjoy it a lot and we know it’s never going to last forever. We know home is always there, and we love our time back in South Africa spending time on the farm. We miss the braaivleis, but luckily we buy some meat in Japan – a bit more expensive – and braai every now and then. I also bring my own biltong spices over to make my own biltong.
Where is your farm?
It’s in Mpumalanga, close to the town Dullstroom and opposite Highland Gate Golf Course. We have four self-catering cottages, and guests can go trout fishing and hiking. We’re pet friendly, too. It’s called Kareekraal Guest Farm, and we are on Facebook and Instagram.
What’s your favourite game biltong?
Kudu. I grew up on a farm between Lydenburg and Ohrigstad, so that’s what we always had at the house, there was always Kudu biltong. It’s still my favourite and the best tasting.
Who was your rugby role model growing up?
My uncle, Riaan ‘Torros’ Pretorius, used to play for the Cats, Lions and Pumas. He was my role model because he is my mom’s youngest brother and I used to go to the stadiums to watch him play.
If you had to pick a backline position to play, what would it be?
Probably inside centre. I’ve played wing for the Lions, but I’d rather play centre as it’s a bit closer to the action and to what a flank does.
Do you ever miss sevens?
Definitely, the sevens was great and it really shaped me as a player. I think when you’re young it’s really awesome. You get to travel, see the world and experience places you’d never visit in the 15-man game.
What’s your favourite try you scored for the Boks?
Obviously your first try you score for any team is special, especially for the Boks, but I’d have to go with the two tries I scored against Australia last year. You don’t score many tries in Test rugby as a forward.
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What other sport do you enjoy?
I enjoy golf, off-shore fishing and hunting. I have a big passion for off-shore fishing, I really like going out on the boat and catching big fish. I just don’t get enough time to do it.
Who do you usually bunk with for the Boks?
Cobus Reinach and I are always roommates. He’s a funny guy and there’s never a dull moment in the room. I think he rooms with me because I know no one else can last long with him because he is so busy!
– This Q&A first appeared in the March 2023 issue of SA Rugby magazine. The April 2023 issue is on sale now.
Photo: Morgan Treacy/INPHO/Shutterstock/BackpagePix
