Speaking in today's Scotsman, Zander said: “I have had a good pre-season with the Warriors, I had to do a bit of catch up on the fitness side of things, but now I am at the same level as everyone else and cannot wait for the season to start.
“It is a massive opportunity with guys away at the World Cup. There is a lot of competition at tighthead, but if I can perform my roles and do my job well then hopefully I can push on and cement a place in the team.
“Three or four of us are quite level [in terms of selection in that position] and everything in training counts and everything is being noted. Gregor has not spoken to me at all about rotation policies, but I will just take my chances when they come and the best player will play.
“I am feeling fit and strong so as a young prop I just want to play as much rugby as I can. As a young player I will make mistakes, but I will learn from them and that will make me a better player in the long term.
“Being PRO12 champions there is certainly pressure on us, but we’ve had a great pre-season and all the boys have worked really hard.
“A few years back [2012/13] the first game at Scotstoun was against the Scarlets and we lost that so, hopefully, we’re not going to do that this time. We want to start with a bang.”