Left field

Venter leaves a cult hero for exposing interview hypocrisy

Brendan Venter, Saracen’s idiosyncratic coach, has returned home to South Africa leaving opinion sharply divided in Britain after a surreal televison interview which has won him a cult following on YouTube.

In response to nine questions in 57 seconds, Venter parodied a parody after Saracens had lost a Heineken Cup match to Racing Metro.

Venter, who was fined for his outspoken comments in a post-match interview last October, this time decided to emulate a character in the spoof film “Mike Bassett; England manager”.

To this end he repeated or agreed to the questions asked by an increasingly frustrated Sky television interviewer.

The importance of keeping talent in reserve

Maintaining the strength in depth to cope with injury crises is as crucial for the management of a top-class team as it is difficult to master, writes William James.

The recent experience of England’s rugby team is testament to this after being forced to pick a squad without twelve regular members.

England places up for grabs as European rugby action hots up

Europe’s premier rugby competition has returned with seven English clubs providing much food for thought for England coach Martin Johnson ahead of the November internationals, writes James Illingworth.

Gloucester, London Irish and Northampton recorded opening day victories while defeated Bath, Sale and Harlequins will be looking to this weekend to get their first points on the board. Leicester staged the comeback of the first week, overturning a 26-8 deficit to draw 32-32 with the Ospreys.