27 May 2012

Joseph says Gear was right choice for All Blacks

1:46 pm on 27 May 2012

The Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph says Hosea Gear deserves his spot in the All Blacks and he's backing his star winger to make an impact on the international stage.

Gear and the Chiefs hooker Hikawera Elliot and have been named as replacement players to attend the All Blacks training camp this week in Wellington, coming in for the injured Keven Mealamu and Cory Jane.

Joseph says Gear is one of the best wingers in the world.

The All Blacks Coach Steve Hansen says specialist winger Gear got the nod over the Hurricanes fullback Andre Taylor as there are already two utility backs in the squad in Ben Smith and Tamati Ellison.

Mealamu will still attend the Wellington camp and Hansen says it's hoped he'll recover in time to take part in June's test series against Ireland.

The All Blacks 30-man squad for the June series will be named in Auckland on Sunday June 3rd.