In a feature that appeared in SA Rugby magazine, we chatted with television personality Jan Scannell to find out which provincial side he supports.
Scannell, a chartered accountant-turned-braai master, is the man behind National Braai Day.
His idea was for South Africans to have a specific day when everyone has something in common. With six cook books, a successful TV show and an annual braai tour nationwide, his profile has sky-rocketed.
Scannell loves sport as much as he loves a good braai. On the rugby front, he supports Western Province.
‘In its original design, the WP jersey is the most beautiful in the world,’ he says. ‘My father was always nervous on the way to Newlands, and the away games we watched on TV were memorable for the ferocity with which my grandfather would shout at the TV.’
There isn’t even the slightest hesitation when he is asked for his fondest memories.
‘Carel du Plessis’ try in the 1989 Currie Cup final against Northern Transvaal was one of the highlights of my life. The subsequent missed conversion by Riaan Gous was one of the first times I felt real pain, sadness, anger and depression.
‘I pretty much experienced all the psychological phases of the Kübler-Ross model within two minutes at the age of nine.
‘Then there was that 1997 final against Free State. There had been a lengthy trophy drought in Cape Town to rival the current water crisis, but the Currie Cup came home when [Cheetahs captain] Helgard Muller’s pass to Jan-Harm van Wyk was called forward and the try disallowed. That’s the last time I ran on to the field after a game. It was already against the rules and the security guards had to carry me off.’
Despite his love affair with WP and Newlands, Scannell believes the move to Cape Town Stadium is the right call, even though he can’t bring himself to follow Super Rugby.
‘As passionate as I am about sticking to traditions, it’s time to move on. I cannot wait for WP to start playing in Green Point. That said, I have no interest in Super Rugby and cannot wait for this silly series to retire to a dark, dusty and neglected corner of history.’
By Mariette Adams
