Rebels assistant Kevin Foote has backed tighthead Pone Fa'amausili to become one of Australia's top props after a standout start to Super Rugby AU.
Fa'amausili has had a superb start to Super Rugby AU and made a particular impact in his last outing, Melbourne's draw against the Reds.
Foote said Fa'amausili had made big strides this year, thanks to his commitment to training and an improved diet.
"I remember seeing Pone when I first arrived in Melbourne - huge, intimidating but just didn't have much of an engine," he said.
"The whole medical team have worked so hard on him and Pone to be fair has been so professional about how he's gone about it, made huge sacrifices around his body, around his diet and his training and for him to get up and play the way he's playing now, it's starting to get incredible.
"I think a lot of the people back home in Melbourne would be really proud of what they see when they see a guy like Pone, a guy who's been given this opportunity and grabbed it. We're really proud of him and we know people back home will be proud of him and what he's done."
Fa'amausili's form has been enough to keep capped Wallaby Jermaine Ainsley on the bench.
While his rampaging runs and one monster hit on Bryce Hegarty nabbed headlines after their Reds match, Foote said Fa'amausili had more than just big tackles in his arsenal.
"He's got the frame for it (going to the next level) - we've seen how the Tongan Thor's come through, such a big strong boy who can carry like that and so dynamic," he said.
"You're talking about a guy who's 133kg and he can move really, really well.
"The other day he did something and it honestly looked like a hippo on ice skates, he was so balanced, no one could touch him.
"He's actually side stepping he's not looking to just run over you, he's actually using his skill and his footwork so I definitely think he can go to the next level.
"Obviously a big step up but he's got the right mentality."
Fa'amausili will start alongside Cameron Orr and Jordan Uelese in the front row this week while fellow Victorian Trevor Hosea has been elevated to the starting second row in his first start for the Rebels.
Reece Hodge returns to the starting backline with Campbell Magnay ruled out while Andrew Deegan comes onto the pine.
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Foote said the Rebels would be wary of a Waratahs side prepared to play "brave" rugby in attack.
"I think the Waratahs are going really well, i think they're getting better and better," he said.
"They're playing a brave style of rugby, they've got those young backs, Jack Maddocks at the back, some of these guys making their debuts and they're not scared to let the ball go so I actually think they played a really good style, I think whits is doing a good job with their attack."
NSW's lineout defence has been particularly strong in Super Rugby AU and after a wobbly outing against the Reds, Foote said they had focused on improving their set piece.
"We weren't at our best there and we acknowledge that and (forwards coach) Geoff Parling, he takes that personally, and he's worked really, really hard," he said.
"I think the Waratahs were excellent against the Brumbies who have a really good lineout and there were a lot of lineouts in that game.
"I think Simmo's (Rob Simmons) running a good shop there.
"We've had to work really, really hard on that. Not going too far away from what we've done in the past with our structures and processes but just making sure that we understand what's coming for us."
The Waratahs take on the Rebels on Friday July 24 at the SCG, kicking off at 7:05pm AEST, LIVE on Foxtel, Foxtel Now and Kayo Sports. Buy tickets here. Buy a Kayo subscription here.
