5:00pm Friday 3rd September 2010
By Simon Mail
Sarries director of rugby Brendan Venter insists his team could not be better prepared as they get ready to renew their challenge for the Premiership.
The Men in Black surged to the brink of the title last season before a dramatic final defeat to champions Leicester Tigers but they look in great shape to go one better this time.
Saracens have lost Glen Jackson and Justin Marshall to retirement but have enhanced an already strong squad with a host of international signings, including England backs Richard Wigglesworth and David Strettle. Scotland forward Kelly Brown has also moved to Vicarage Road and former England prop Matt Stevens will boost their scrum when he is allowed to return to the sport, following a drugs ban, in the new year.
South African Venter is delighted with his new recruits and believes they are in an ideal position ahead of tomorrow's (Saturday's) opener against London Irish at Twickenham (2pm kick-off).
Venter said: "We couldn't be in a better position going into the start of the season. In general, we are a stronger squad and the new players have settled in beautifully. We have got a lot of depth to our squad.
"I think everyone knew what to expect from us after the first five games last season. As a coach you must enjoy the challenge and we are just one year further down the line. We are very lucky and we're in a great position."
Venter has instilled a belief in his side that they can beat anyone and he insists this has grown during his tenure after memorable wins at Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints.
His side return to the Heineken Cup this season with a difficult draw pitting them against Leinster, Clermont Auvergne and Racing Metro but he is confident they can go far in the competition.
The former London Irish coach said: "Last year there was some uncertainty about how we would do but this year there is real belief. We have gained a belief that we can beat anybody anywhere and that has come from winning at Leicester and Franklin's Gardens.
"It was one of the club's objectives to get into the Heineken Cup and it's something we're really looking forward to. The game at Wembley against Leinster will be a brilliant occasion.
"It is a tough pool but our objective is to try and win the competition and we have to get out of the group to have a chance."
Saracens finished last season with a flourish as their free-flowing rugby earned widespread praise but Venter put it down to the law changes which have swung back in favour of the attack.
He added: "I think everybody will play in a fast and furious style and it will be great entertainment for the fans. It is important we get off to a good start but we cannot hope for victories. You have to go out there and work hard."
Venter will hand full debuts to Wigglesworth and Brown tomorrow as they bid to defeat the Exiles on the opening day for the second season in a row. Captain Steve Borthwick is still sidelined with a torn quad muscle and a minor groin operation means Strettle will have to wait to pull on the shirt.
Alex Goode is handed the opportunity to make an impression at fly-half, with Derick Hougaard expected to make the bench after shaking off an Achilles problem.
Noah Cato struggled to feature during the run-in last year but Venter has noticed a significant improvement in the England Saxon wing. The muscular back has been picked to start at Twickenham and Venter expects a big season from Cato.
He added: "Noah has been much better this year. He was good last year but has been a lot more consistent recently and we have very high hopes for him."
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