The Melbourne Rebels know a win over the Highlanders will set them up for a push towards the top four as they look to build momentum.
The Rebels have won four of their last six games and will be out to claim three straight wins for the first time since 2020.
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They sit in fifth position on the ladder before next week's bye, with Saturday's match beginning three consecutive games against Kiwi opposition.
The timely returns of Wallabies duo Andrew Kellaway and Josh Kemeny have boosted the hosts.
Kellaway slots back into fullback after missing the past fortnight with fractured ribs, joined by Lachlan Anderson
Kemeny comes into the back row after his recovery from an ankle sprain, with Rob Leota (calf) on the sidelines until after the bye.
“We’ve identified the last two games and this one as an important block going into the bye as very important wins," prop Isaac Kailea told media.
“We know where the Highlanders are on the ladder and where we are so it’s pretty important in terms of being the greatest Rebels team, making finals and cementing ourselves in that top four or five.
“The Highlanders will be a tough team of how they played in the past and they’ve got international players like Jermaine Ainsley and Ethan de Groot.
“It’s very important game for us, probably the most important game of the year so we’re really looking forward to the battle on Saturday.”
The two-Test Wallaby adds further class to the pack with Taniela Tupou still named on the reserves.
Hooker Jordan Uelese admits earlier comments in the season around their mentality still motivate the forwards.
“When you look around our pack, we’ve got a really solid one on paper and to be able to put that into practice was pretty important for us," he said.
“We’ve been questioned a lot around our mentality and the way we play so we’re pretty pleased to come out with a win, especially the way we’ve done it through our set price.
“It’s definitely a stepping stone in the right direction but being consistent is probably something we’re looking to do.”
REBELS (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Jordan Uelese, Sam Talakai (c), Tuaina Taii Tualima, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Kemeny, Maciu Nabolakasi, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Darby Lancaster, David Feliuai, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway
RESERVES: Alex Mafi, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Angelo Smith, Daniel Maiava, Jack Maunder, Matt Proctor, Nick Jooste
