RUGBY LEGENDS MATT DAWSON AND FRANCOIS LOUW FACE OFF IN NOW’S BRAAI VERSUS BBQ

Ahead of the British and Irish Lions Tour of South Africa test matches starting this weekend, streaming service NOW has enlisted Lions’ legend Matt Dawson and former Springboks’ flanker Francois Louw to compete in the ultimate cultural TEST match – Braai versus BBQ.

In a series of challenges set by South African chef, Patrick Williams, the former Lion and Springbok get the ultimate grilling – as the art of British BBQ goes head-to-head with the cultural tradition that is the South African Braai. The legends also sit down to answer some burning questions about the forthcoming Lions Tour of South Africa.

To put these Rugby legends through their paces, Patrick Williams tested them on their rugby related recall over the grills in a series of challenges: blindfolded guessing of the mystery braai morsels and tough rugby trivia, as well as testing their hot sauce tolerance. The humorous videos will be dropping daily on NOW’s Twitter and Facebook channels from today.

Of the challenges, Matt Dawson said: “I’m always keen to be tested on my cooking skills and this was certainly something new, going head-to-head with a flanker in this way. I think I held my own against Francois, and it was great to test ourselves on rugby trivia as well as the grills. I am really looking forward to watching the matches heat up over in South Africa on NOW.”

Francois Louw added: “Being the Braai master is second nature to me and I reckon I brought the grill skills my friends and family would be proud of to the challenges! I am gutted I can’t be there to watch the test matches in my home country, but I will definitely be bringing the braai to the match events at home in the UK and cheering on my home team.”

Those looking to put their BBQ tongs to the test while also watching the Rugby this week – can find Patrick’s selection of smoking braai recipes on NOW’s website. Recipes include traditional dishes such as Ribeye Steak & Monkey Gland Sauce, Braaibroodjies, Braai Mielies (sweetcorn) and Peri Peri dipping sauce – all taking less than an hour to prepare and cook.

Chef Patrick Williams of London Kudu Restaurant said of the recipes: “The recipes are some of my favourites for the braai – I hope people enjoy hosting your own Braai’s, no matter what side they are supporting, and can bring some of the South African spirit to their home whilst watching the tournament’s upcoming test matches on NOW.”

The video series will see four episodes of Braai vs BBQ going live on NOW Twitter and Facebook channels daily from 21st – 24th July.