Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock makes two changes to his starting line-up for the European Challenge Cup quarter-final clash with French giants Montpellier at Sixways Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
New Zealand international Gear, who has scored five tries in the competition this season, replaces wing Marcel Garvey after he was ruled out with concussion sustained in the league victory over Gloucester last weekend.
Back row Tom Wood will also miss the Euro encounter with a shoulder nerve injury and is replaced by Drew Hickey. Gavin Quinnell moves onto the replacements bench.
Front row Darren Morris is ruled out and his spot on the bench is taken by Shaun Ruwers. Chris Pennell returns to the bench.
Netani Talei remains a few weeks away from a playing return and while Chris Horsman is ruled out the club have been boosted with his return to light training.
Mike Ruddock’s team are undefeated in four top-flight games and the Director of Rugby is aiming for his team to now transfer that red-hot form into the European competition, where Warriors finished as top seeds in the group stages.
“We are excited about this game, we are playing well and are only a couple of games from making a final,” said Ruddock. “There has been a nice atmosphere around the club this week. It is not over confidence but it doesn’t have the same feel as a league game, I see it as a positive thing, the team plans to play some good rugby.
“Montpellier are a very good side. We have looked at them at length and they play a good brand of rugby,” he added. “They are expecting to be missing Trinh-Duc, which should make it a bit easier, but the second choice fly half is very similar to him with a good range of skills and an excellent passer.
“Our discipline will have to be spot on and we know they will be tough, you don’t get to a quarter-final without being a very good team. We expect them to front up and be physical, we can expect a real tough battle.”
Warriors v Montpellier
15 Thinus Delport
14 Rico Gear
13 Dale Rasmussen
12 Sam Tuitupou
11 Miles Benjamin
10 Shane Drahm
9 Matt Powell
1 Tony Windo
2 Aleki Lutui
3 Tevita Taumoepeau
4 Greg Rawlinson
5 Craig Gillies
6 Drew Hickey
7 Pat Sanderson (c)
8 Kai Horstmann
16 Matt Mullan
17 Shaun Ruwers
18 Will Bowley
19 Gavin Quinnell
20 Joe Carlisle
21 Jonny Arr
22 Chris Pennell
Tickets are still available for the European Challenge Cup quarter-final clash. Call the Ticket Office today on 0870 990 5650.