Worcester finally seeing Rico hit top Gear
After 18 months of frustration and waiting Worcester are finally seeing something like the best of Rico Gear, claims director of rugby Mike Ruddock.
The former New Zealand international has started Warriors’ last eight matches in a variety of positions, the most impressive of which came in the victory over Wasps last weekend.
Gear played that game in the unfamiliar role of full-back and excelled in Chris Latham’s absence, inspiring the Sixways outfit to their first league victory in three months.
And Ruddock believes that one of his star performers is finally benefitting from a sustained run in the team and his longest period without injury since he came in December 2007.
“He is playing as well as he has ever played for Worcester,” Ruddock said. “He has really picked his game up.
“He has had periods where he is looking to get back to his top form – showing what he is like as an All Black international – and then he would get injured or pull up with a muscular problem.
“Suddenly he has got a run of games, he is showing his form and he’s been fantastic,” he added.
“To play at full-back at the weekend and to be as effective as he was is testament to his quality and skill level but also his courage and commitment to the club.
“But the big thing that is impressing me is his physicality in the contact area, both in attack and defence. If he can’t go around or off-load he is trying to make that extra yard and in defence he is putting some big hits and tackles in.
“He is looking really physical and confident in his body. Perhaps he wasn’t that confident before because of his injuries. He will only get stronger now.”
Gear is likely to revert to wing for this weekend’s match with Northampton Saints with Latham returning to fitness.
