Lions game big step up for Anderson-Heather

Otago and Dunedin hooker Sam Anderson-Heather is looking forward to playing the British and Irish Lions in Whangarei on June 3. His dog, Maz, is probably just looking forward to a good feed. Photo: Gregor Richardson.
Otago and Dunedin hooker Sam Anderson-Heather is looking forward to playing the British and Irish Lions in Whangarei on June 3. His dog, Maz, is probably just looking forward to a good feed. Photo: Gregor Richardson.
Next Saturday Sam Anderson-Heather will be packing down against the British and Irish Lions.

The last time the 29-year-old hooker threw his arms around the props either side of him, it was in a club game against Southern just 12 days ago.

Can you imagine that?

It took Anderson-Heather a little time to grasp the concept, as well.

The Otago and Dunedin rake will play for the New Zealand Barbarians in the opening game of the highly anticipated tour in Whangarei on June 3.

It is likely to be the highlight of his career. But it was not until he talked to some older members at the Dunedin club that he realised what an honour it is to play for the Barbarians.

''I've never really followed the Lions and didn't really have an understanding of the teams that generally play them when they do tour,'' he said.

''But just speaking to some of the old boys at the club I've got pretty excited about the opportunity. I'm pretty lucky to be involved in that team.''

The Barbarians side is made up of players from 15 unions, including Whanganui, which joins the Mitre 10 Cup teams in supplying a player.

Anderson-Heather leaves for Auckland on Saturday and will bus to Northland the next day to join the team, where he will have just under a week with the side.

Southern has a fairly decent front row but it is fair to say Anderson-Heather will be levelling up fast.

''It is a massive step up,'' he said with a big grin.

''I'm expecting a well-drilled, physical, strong and proud pack and that is exactly what we will get, I'd say.

''A lot of these guys are experienced test players and it is just an awesome opportunity to test yourself against the best, I guess.''

Anderson-Heather has played 47 games for Otago and made one appearance for the Highlanders off the bench in 2014, so he is certainly no rookie.

He is a skilful player with good athleticism, although he has had his share of injuries during the years.

Anderson-Heather moved to Dunedin from Hawke's Bay 11 years ago and has settled here with his partner, Nicole McGaveston.

He works in property maintenance and made himself unavailable for the Highlanders this season, for personal reasons.

''I just had some personal things going on and just didn't really want to commit to Super Rugby, get selected and then have to pull out later in that season.

''I guess it was a bit of a reminder that rugby is a game and that it is something I still do for fun. Sometimes other things just take precedence.

''It was a shame because I felt like I had a really strong Mitre 10 Cup and was really looking forward to be involved in Super Rugby. It just was not great timing for me.''

He has re-signed for Otago for another year, though, and believes the team is shaping up well this season.

''It is a little different this year. I think we've got the biggest contingent of Otago players involved in Super Rugby that we've had in a long time.

''It is going to be awesome when those boys finish with Super Rugby and bring back their knowledge and experience. I guess that is something Otago rugby has been trying to do over the last four or five years - getting more players involved in Super Rugby - and it is clearly starting to work.''

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