When the South African-born player failed a doping test in December 2008, it appeared that his career was in ruins, but he now has a chance to enjoy a remarkable fresh start, according to Venter.
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‘I think he could surprise a few people when he comes back - that is my gut feeling,’
said the former Springbok centre.
We’re not going to put pressure on him when he arrives, but he is a very special individual, a talented person, so I think he will settle in quickly at Saracens.
‘In fact, I think he can play himself into the Six Nations reckoning with England. I’ve already spoken to Martin Johnson about Matt and asked him about that position in the team. He just said he has to play, then he will be considered.
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‘We are in contact with Matt, checking how he is doing. From what he has told us, he is in very good nick because he has been doing Brazilian jujitsu.
'Whenever I have spoken to him I’ve been impressed. He said from the start that he got things wrong and he would take his punishment.’
Venter can also see a Test future for his Saracens skipper, Steve Borthwick. The lock was Johnson’s England captain until injury opened the door to Lewis Moody at the end of the last Six Nations and he now finds himself in the second-string Saxons squad.
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‘We feel like we’ve signed a new player with Steve and you can imagine how motivated
he is at the moment,’ said Venter. ‘He was involved with England for a long time, so he wants to get back into that squad and he is looking in great form.
‘Steve is a special person with that most important attribute - a will to win and fight that can’t be coached. If Saracens do well this season he will play his way back into the England team, no doubt.’
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