Hosea Gear is yet to miss a game for the Highlanders © Getty Images

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Hosea Gear has been named to play his 100th Super Rugby game when the Highlanders host the Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday.

"I have seen Hosea develop into one of the best players in the world in his position," Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph said. "He is one of the hardest workers both on and off the field. He always brings a professional approach to the Highlanders team environment and is highly respected by all the guys. Our team would like to congratulate him for reaching this remarkable milestone".

Highlanders general manager Roger Clark also congratulated Gear on reaching 100 games in Super Rugby. "Hosea is a remarkable player and a strong leader within our team. He has always done his talking on the field and led by example and this season has been one of his best. On behalf of the Highlanders I would like to congratulate Hosea on reaching 100 Super games tomorrow night".

Gear made his Super Rugby debut for the Hurricanes against the Chiefs in 2004, since when he has scored 36 tries in Super Rugby and 42 tries at provincial level. He joined the Highlanders in 2012, playing all 16 games that year and every game this season bringing his total matches for the franchise to 29.

Joseph has made three changes to the starting XV that dispatched the Blues, naming Tony Woodcock at loose-head prop, with Elliot Dixon replacing injured John Hardie at openside flanker and Kade Poki returning after a long absence with a rib injury. On the bench, Lima Sopoaga returns from an ankle injury.

Highlanders: Ben Smith; Kade Poki, Tamati Ellison, Shaun Treeby, Hosea Gear; Colin Slade, Fumiaki Tanaka; Mose Tuiali'i, Elliot Dixon, Jarrad Hoeata; Josh Bekhuis, Brad Thorn; Ma'afu Fia, Andrew Hore (captain), Tony Woodcock. Replacements: Liam Coltman, Bronson Murray, Jake Paringatai, TJ Ioane, Aaron Smith, Lima Sopoaga, Ma'a Nonu.