Former England and Lions star Guscott is a BBC rugby union pundit

Rugby union shivered its way into 2010 as the freezing weather continued to bite, although Brendan Venter raised the temperature with a blast at referees for killing the game after his Saracens side went down 22-15 to Leicester.

Sarries still lead the Guinness Premiership but now only by a point from Northampton, who leapfrogged London Irish into second after a last-minute Chris Ashton try saw the Saints beat the Exiles at Franklin's Gardens.

In the Magners League, Glasgow completed a festive double over bitter rivals Edinburgh, while Lions boss Sir Ian McGeechan was knighted for his services to the sport.

If you have a question for BBC Sport rugby union expert Jerry, you can submit it by using the form in the top right-hand corner of the page. He will answer as many as possible early next week, while his answers to this week's questions are below.

Hi Jeremy, do you have any sympathy with Brendan Venter and his grievances with referees? It seems to me (albeit simplistically) that their style of play makes them more reliant on refs for points than other teams.
Alistair, England

Venter is none to happy with refereeing standards

I have just read Brendan Venter's attack on how the English game is dying because of referees… is it just me that is angry about this? In my estimation it is the style of rugby Venter is marshalling that is killing the game… Jerry am I just naive or is there a shred of truth in what I say?
Luke, England

Luke and Alistair, Brendan Venter as a rugby player was direct, physical and a good defender, he has made those characteristics very much part of the Saracens team he is coaching. His criticism of the official was, in general, mis-placed frustration at his own team's performance. It was their second defeat in a row - he needed to vent his frustration and an easy target was the referee. If he has been quoted correctly then he should be reprimanded by the Rugby Football Union. No-one is above the game and no-one can be allowed to openly criticise the referees. The refs can't get it right all the time every time. You hope for consistency - maybe Saracens deserved to get penalised?

I cannot understand why Ben Foden has not been given a chance with England. He possesses all the attributes of a top-class full-back and is arguably the most threatening ball carrier in the Guinness Premiership. Week in week out he's one of Saints' best performers. What are your thoughts?
Elliot, England

Outside centre is becoming a problem position for England. Bearing this in mind, should Ben Foden's good form put him in at full-back with Delon Armitage playing at 13? Also, should Chris Ashton be considered?
Sam, England

Elliot and Sam, I guess you're Northampton supporters? Without question Foden is performing well in a good side, as is Ashton. Armitage for me is the better full-back option for England, both in attack and defence. If England still have injury problems leading into the Six Nations then the option of Foden at full-back and Armitage in the outside centre position is a goer.

Hi, have I reason to be optimistic that England can be competitive in the upcoming Six Nations with players returning after injury?
Simon, England

Simon, I agree. If you combine players coming back from injury with the low expectation from supporters and the media, England have a great opportunity to sneak a few results. With only two games at home it won't be an easy championship.

How do you reckon the Argentines will manage in their first season in the Tri-Nations? (Argentina are provisionally included in the tournament from 2012).
Pete, Ireland

Pete, I would expect them to be very competitive at home and find it very difficult away. However, if they are without their stars who play for European clubs they will be in a very difficult position indeed.

I think that Dave Walder has been fantastic for Wasps this season and the best fly-half in the Premiership this season, so why are the England selectors overlooking him?
Nile Weir, England

Jonny Wilkinson did not play well in the Autumn Internationals while Toby Flood is now fit. If you were picking the England team now, who would be your fly-half?
Peter Thorburn, Scotland

Nile and Peter, in my opinion Walder is playing better than Danny Cipriani and deserves his spot but international rugby is a different level. It's hard to measure Wilkinson's value in experience but I don't think he had a miserable autumn. Overall I thought he was one of the better performers in a poor side. On form I would be tempted to play Flood instead of Wilkinson but can Flood kick those pressure penalties consistently? Also, does Flood complement inside-centre Riki Flutey's style of play. Not really.

England need flair at fly-half - can Cipriani come back and show the inventiveness he had before his injuries?
Mike Grunberg, Netherlands

Cipriani has the talent but lacks consistency

Cipriani's defensive frailty has proved England boss Martin Johnson is correct in not selecting him, but where does he go from here? Does he show any sign of improvement, or is too early to tell? He seems to have talent, but only in parts of his game.
Peggy Entwistle, USA

Mike and Peggy, Cipriani definitely has the talent, it is getting him to consistently perform at that high level, whether playing in a winning or losing side. I used to think he was a very confident player but I've changed my mind. His goal kicking is not yet international standard and his defence is not yet international standard, but I believe he has the ability to change those weaknesses in his game.

Hi Jeremy, you mentioned Danny Cipriani last week and how he needs to harness his ability. Why is it young English talent such as Cipriani, David Strettle, Danny Care, Flood, Harry Ellis and Co seem to struggle to step up to the next level, whereas Australia, NZ, SA, Wales and others seem to have no problems with this, eg Matt Giteau, Leigh Halfpenny and chums.
Andrew, UK

Andrew, it is easier as a youngster coming into a team that is going well. Any youngsters coming into the England side since 2004 have had it tough playing in a side that has lost its way.

Hi Jeremy, who was the most intimidating coach you came across in your playing days?
Alan, Scotland (Germany)

Alan, I honestly didn't find any coach intimidating, some had reputations for being tough but thankfully they were forward coaches! Dick Best was challenging on a verbal front but I really enjoyed his coaching sessions.

As a one club player during your career, I wonder were you ever tempted to try your luck at another English club or even overseas? Do you think you would have done things differently if you had played in the modern, professional era?
Glyn Davies, Oxford, UK

Glyn, I was never tempted to leave Bath, through most of my career we were very competitive. In today's modern game I don't think I would have done things too differently, although having said that I would have liked to have sampled playing in the Super 14 and the French league.

Is Matt Banahan really good enough to be an international wing, or should he convert back to lock where he might offer some much needed athleticism to our forward pack?
Ian, UAE

Ian, I'm continually having a similar sort of question and answer scenario with a work colleague of mine - the only difference is you've asked it in a much politer way! He didn't have a great autumn series but who did? He needs to develop and work more, particularly on his defence and fitness. I don't think England use him in the right way. I would have him involved in more hit-ups and decoys than currently but for that he needs to be fitter than he is at present. I feel he could have the same impact in games that Jamie Roberts does for Wales and the Lions.

Now Sevens rugby union is in the Olympics do you think the game will go like cricket, with Twenty20 gradually becoming higher profile than Test cricket. Do you think Sevens will become as important as the XV-a-side game?
Tim Hurrell, England

Tim, I don't think Sevens will ever be higher profile than the 15 a-side game except for occasions like the Olympics. Sevens is an exciting version of rugby and just like Twenty20 it has its place in the whole scheme of rugby. If the likes of China and America get excited about Sevens then it could only benefit the game of rugby as a whole.

I play rugby and I wanted to ask a rugby expert how to make good tackles when the other team are on the five metre line? Jamie Pope, England

Jamie, tackling is all about technique and confidence. Have a look at the video embedded on the right to pick up a few tips.

Hi Jerry, I was never that good a player but I have found my place as a coach. I'm 25 and have just passed my RFU level two course. My question is, is it possible to become a coach at a pro team without having any high level playing experience, especially with so many ex-players taking up coaching at the end of their careers? Also how do you think players would respect a coach from a non-playing background?
Jon Ingarfield, Wales (but live in England)

Jon, two of my coaches, Jack Rowell and Geoff Cooke, never played rugby at international level but coached Bath and England very successfully. It sometimes helps not to have the playing reputation; I don't think the expectation will be as high. To answer your question about respect, you earn respect by what you do and how you do it. Good luck with your coaching.

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