Brendan Venter has been quick to make his mark on the Saracens squad - and the South African is expecting big things.
New chief demanding immediate success
Brendan Venter has been quick to make his mark on the Saracens squad - and the South African is expecting big things.
The former Springbok international is not looking at a three or five-year plan to develop his squad, instead he is after immediate success.
Already the players have been warned that they risk being shown the door if they fail to perform - and Venter has shown his ruthless streak with transfers.
In have come 12 players, including six South Africans, while 14 have left the club.
Saracens will miss the likes off Kris Chesney (Toulon) and Andy Farrell (retired), while David Seymour and Ben Skirving are among the surprise departures.
Springboks hooker Schalk Brits is the pick of Venter's wheeler dealing, with the Barbarians ace a real livewire. Expect to see him making a big impact on defences this season.
Ethienne Reynecke - along with Fabio Ongaro - will provide competition for the No.2 jersey, while Italy international Carlos Nieto, Frik Venter, Rhys Gill and Richard Skuse will also bolster the front row.
Another South African Derrick Hougaard may feel more at home after struggling to make an impact at Leicester, although he will face a battle to dislodge last season's leading scorer Glen Jackson from the fly-half jersey.
Despite all the comings and goings at Vicarage Road, Venter has kept hold of a number of the club's talented youngsters.
Noah Cato, Adam Powell, Alex Goode, Don Barrell and Tom Mercey will all be looking to take their chances, while the highly-rated centre Owen Farrell could well follow in his dad's footsteps.
