One-cap All Black Sosene Anesi said it was an "easy decision" to cross the Tasman Sea, after nearly a decade of first class rugby in New Zealand, to take up the marquee spot at the Waratahs. < /p>

Speaking to iafrica.com ahead of the 'Tahs opening Super 14 pre-season game, against the Reds at the Oakes Oval, Lismore, on Saturday, Anesi said his path to regular game time at the Chiefs are being blocked by a trio of quality outside backs.

Having won his only All Black cap back in 2005, Anesi joined the Waratahs from the Chiefs under the Australian Rugby Union's marquee player rule.

Now he is determined to make a contribution to the 'Tahs in an ever-changing rugby landscape where an increasing number of players are moving to foreign shores to take up new Super Rugby positions.

"It was a good opportunity," Anesi told this website when asked about the reasoning behind his decision to 'jump the ditch' and move to Australia.

"With Mils [Muliaina], Siti [Sivivatu] and [Lelia] Masaga in the back three at the Chiefs, it was quite hard [to get game time]. Hopefully the work I've put in will make me a better and stronger player for the Waratahs.

"Rugby gives you lots of opportunities and this was a great one to come to a team like the Waratahs, so it wasn't a hard decision to make."

While injuries have punctuated some of his most recent seasons, the utility back was a significant contributor in the Chiefs run to the 2009 Super 14 Final and he also showed glimpses of his best form during the Air NZ Cup season for Waikato.

However, Anesi is confident that the Waratahs' medical team will keep him in the kind of shape that will allow him an uninjured run with the 'Tahs.

"Really good," he said, when asked about the condition of his body, adding: "I've been working closely with the medical team at the 'Tahs to make sure my training load is good to keep me match fit, but also stay injury free and the pre-season has been great."

While reaching the Super 14 Final last year was a great achievement, Anesi hopes to make a big enough contribution to help the Waratahs to their first title.

"I really want to enjoy the season with the Tahs," he said.

"The pre-season has been a lot of fun, even though it has been hard work.

"I'm really enjoying the lifestyle in Sydney away from rugby, and hopefully once the season starts I can push for a place in the team and contribute to the team's performance."

Having made his Super Rugby debut (for the Chiefs) against the Waratahs back in 2005, Anesi said he does not know what to expect from the Chiefs fans when he returns to the Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, in May.

"I always remember that first ever game against the Waratahs," he said of his Super Rugby debut, adding: "They gave us a bit of a touch up that day. I guess it will be a bit different playing against the Chiefs in Hamilton.

"I'm not quite sure what to expect from the crowd, but you have to put that out of your mind and do your best for the 'Tahs."