Brendan Venter insists Saracens are in great shape as they prepare to launch their Heineken Cup campaign.

The Men in Black have been placed in a daunting pool featuring 2009 winners Leinster and they begin their European bid at French champions Clermont Auvergne on Saturday afternoon [4.30pm kick off].

Saracens have missed out on the Heineken Cup during the last couple of seasons but their last run back in 2008 saw them go all the way to the semi-finals before a heroic defeat to Munster.

Sarries’ director of rugby believes his squad, which will be rotated throughout the season, are ideally prepared to challenge for a place in the knockout stages after posting four consecutive Premiership wins.

Venter said: “We’re in great shape. We’ve won four on the trot, we’ve beaten Northampton and Leicester. We can’t be in a better position."