Rugby: Hosea has lifted a gear

All Black wing Hosea Gear plays his 50th game for the Hurricanes on Friday. Photo / Getty Images

Hosea Gear hopes a stint with the All Blacks can accelerate his rugby career to another level.

The flying Hurricanes winger plays his 50th game for the Super 14 franchise against the Bulls in Wellington on Friday, something he doubted would come into range given his rash of injuries in recent seasons.

At about this time last year Gear unshackled himself from ongoing hamstring horrors that had held him back both on the field and confidence-wise.

The result was 14 tries for Wellington in last year's Air NZ Cup - double the tally of any other player - and selection in the All Blacks year-end tour squad.

He best wasn't seen in his only test appearance, against Australia in Hong Kong, while he played the first 60 minutes against Munster in Limerick.

It was what happened in the weeks of training and preparation between games that he reflects on now with most value.

"I learned a heck of a lot. This is my sixth year in the Super 14 so I thought I had good experience but that (tour) was another level," he said.

"I learned as much as I could and I'm trying to use that now."

Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper had nothing but admiration for the 25-year-old.

"He's one of my most professional players," Cooper said.

"He has had major injuries that he continues to work on, he's made a lot of sacrifices so a lot of accolades go to him getting 50 games which isn't easy in this competition."

Gear becomes the 22nd Hurricane to raise the half-ton and the seventh of the current squad - among the more experienced outfits in this year's competition.

His tryscoring rate accurately charts the growing danger Gear has provided in recent seasons.

He scored five tries in his first three seasons and 11 in his last two.

Gear's lightning speed was in evidence as he scored two tries in the Hurricanes' 29-12 defeat of the Cheetahs at New Plymouth two weeks ago.

The Hurricanes and Bulls have both had a week off since - which didn't prevent the unbeaten Bulls staying atop the standings - and both teams meet at important junctures in their season.

The Bulls are starting a five-match tour of Australasia while the Hurricanes are chasing a fourth successive win on New Zealand soil before beginning a three-match overseas leg.

"We're on a good track," Cooper said.

"We've improved over our last four games. The Crusaders and Cheetahs games were big improvements on what we're trying to do so it's important we can continue that momentum."

Meanwhile, Gear hinted that brother Rico was unlikely to return to New Zealand when his contract with English club Worcester finishes next year.

Nineteen-test All Blacks winger Rico Gear, 31, has been playing for the struggling club at fullback but hasn't voiced unhappiness in his regular phone conversations with younger brother.

"He's not too sure what he'll do. Possibly stay over and play out his career over there," Hosea said.

- NZPA