Gear change: Hosea out, Rico in for Coast clash

ON THE BENCH: All Black winger Rico Gear is tackled by Wallabies halfback George Gregan in a Bledisloe Cup game in Brisbane in 2006. Gear has been named on the bench for Ngati Porou East Coast’s final Heartland Championship game against Wairarapa Bush in Masterton tomorrow. Coach and brother Hosea Gear, who has been on the Coast bench for the past few games, has returned to Australia. Should Rico come on tomorrow, it will be his Coast debut and he is excited at the prospect. “Being of Ngati Porou ancestry there’s obviously a deep connection,” he said. “Ive had best mates and cousins pull on the jersey and now I get to be part of the legacy.” NZPA File picture

RUGBY by Ben O’Brien-Leaf

In an era of great All Black wingers, Rico Gear was as good as any.

Injuries to key players in the Ngāti Porou East Coast side have necessitated a call-up for their trainer Gear for their last Heartland Championship game of the year against Wairarapa-Bush at Masterton tomorrow.

Like his younger brother — fellow former All Black and Coast head coach Hosea — Rico is registered with the East Coast Rugby Union as a local player with the Uawa club.

They’re hoping, and as proud as punch, that he’ll be getting a run against the green and reds.

Uawa chairman Darryl Crawford believes it has been a huge boost to have the Gear brothers help develop a vision for rugby during the last two years. NPEC chief executive officer Cushla Tangaere-Manuel agrees.

“Having a player of Rico’s calibre alongside our boys is another exciting addition to the Coast family. He’s given them great support behind the scenes and we’re all eager to see him take the field in a sky blue jersey.”

Akayshia Williams, Rico’s god-daughter, is thrilled at the news of his impending debut.

“I’m stoked to hear that he’ll be playing for East Coast tomorrow. I only wish my dad, Ashley — who spent a lot of time with Rico — was there on that special day. He would be so proud.”

Rico Gear scored 13 tries in 20 games, including 11 tries in 19 tests, for the men in black during his four years with the national side.

“I always liked the idea of pulling on a Sky Blue jersey but I wanted to make sure the squad members came first. I’ve been training for a couple of months. I feel good but after watching Hosea struggle with his lungs in his first hit-out, I think I’ll be the same.

“Being of Ngāti Porou ancestry, there’s obviously a deep connection. It’s ingrained in the family. Our grandfather, Heretaunga Tamanui, was a sergeant in the Maori Battalion C Company, which has been the theme for the team this season.

“I’ve had best mates and cousins pull on the jersey and now I get to be a part of the legacy.”