Prop Adam Black, signed in the summer from the Dragons, will also make his first start of the campaign.
Gear replaces Marcel Garvey on the wing while director of rugby Mike Ruddock rotates the front row and brings in Black and hooker Chris Fortey, with Matt Mullan and Aleki Lutui among the replacements.
Warriors also welcome back Samoan centre Dale Rasmussen who is named von the bench after recovering from a knee injury.
“I was very impressed with the Leicester game last week, they looked very strong,” Ruddock said.
“Tigers have a few guys out injured, but even so have such strength in depth. They will be a tough team to breakdown, but that is what we have to do and we are confident we can give it our best shot.
“A lot was made of the fact they hadn’t scored a try in their opening few games. But they scored a fantastic try through my old friend Mefin Davies who popped up on the wing.”
Worcester Warriors v Leicester Tigers
15 Chris Latham
14 Rico Gear
13 Alex Grove
12 Sam Tuitupou
11 Miles Benjamin
10 Willie Walker
9 Ryan Powell
1 Adam Black
2 Chris Fortey
3 Tevita Taumoepeau
4 Greg Rawlinson
5 Craig Gillies
6 Tom Wood
7 Pat Sanderson (c)
8 Netani Talei
Replacements
16 Matt Mullan
17 Aleki Lutui
18 Shaun Ruwers
19 Graham Kitchener
20 Matt Cox
21 Jonny Arr
22 Joe Carlisle
23 Dale Rasmussen
