WHEN Wales face the Springboks in the first of the autumn rugby internationals today, the Millennium Stadium won’t be the only place in the country where people are rooting for South Africa.

A shop in Usk has brought a flavour of the rainbow nation to Gwent, and its owner will be shouting for the Boks.

Biltong 2 U at Llancayo Court is one of only two UK stores dedicated to selling South African produce.

It was opened 12 years ago by Sally Smith, 48, who is originally from Johannesburg but has lived in Llangibby since 1988.

People come from all over the country to buy items like biltong (dried ostrich and springbok meat), boere vors (farmer's sausage) and Castle Lager.

Mrs Smith is expecting an influx today as South Africans stop en-route to the big game.

“It always gets busy on rugby days. When South Africa won the World Cup last November, there was a queue of 59 people waiting to get in,” she said.

Percy Montgomery and Hal Luscombe were customers during their time at Newport and Dragons prop Rhys Thomas is a regular visitor.

The Smith family moved to Gwent 20 years ago to be nearer mother-in-law Vena Smith, 71, who lives in Cwm. They also felt it’d be a safer place for twins Geoffrey and Charles, 19, to grow up.

Mrs Smith said the shop makes being away from home easier.

She said: “I went back in January and have been terribly homesick since. I miss the cosmopolitan lifestyle, weather and good food.

“But Wales is a massive rugby country also and the shop will be busy today with South Africans picking up supplies before the game.”

While Mrs Smith predicts a comfortable Springbok win, son Geoffrey, who was born and bred here is a little more diplomatic.

He will add to Usk’s South African connection when he opens restaurant La Cantina on Bridge Street next Tuesday. This will serve mainly South African dishes.

Mr Smith said: “I’ve lived in Wales all my life, but been to South Africa lots. A draw would be a good result.”