Brendan Venter, known for his sometimes controversial post-match interviews, has done himself proud with a virtual non-interview on Saturday.

Venter, who is stepping down as director of rugby at Saracens, was being interviewed by Sky Sport’s Mark Gillingham following his club’s 24-21 defeat to French club Racing Metro in Europe’s Heineken Cup.

Last month, he was fined £22 000 (R237 000) for comments he made criticising referees. This was how the interview went:

Sky: How disappointed are you?

BV: Ja, very disappointed.

Sky: What went wrong because you got off to a wonderful start?

BV: Ja, interesting. I wonder what went wrong. I have to look, think about it deeply.

Sky: Did it hang on a bit of genius from Sereli Bobo?

BV: Bit of genius… bit of magic… Sereli Bobo… very interesting, very good ja, very good. Three cheers for Sereli Bobo.

Sky: What were you happy with about your side?

BV: Happy, happy… Everything, everything. Very happy with my team.

Sky: But you didn’t win, did you Brendan?

BV: That’s a very good question. It’s important to win. We must try harder, absolutely, ja.

Sky: So you think it’s lack of effort?

BV: Lack of effort? Can’t think it’s lack of effort.

Sky: So what is it Brendan?

BV: Let me think… eh, I can’t… I am not sure. I have to think about that one… think about it deeply.

Sky: Thank you, Brendan.

BV: Thank you very much.

Recently Venter said he was returning to South Africa for family reasons. His 16-month spell at the English club has at times been controversial. He was handed a suspended four-week match-day ban after criticising a referee in a defeat to Leicester in January, and a further 14-week ban on May 8.

Article courtesy of IOL