Melbourne Rebels flanker Brad Wilkin has backed Taniela Tupou to step up as the club looks for a response following last week's tough Brumbies defeat.
Tupou will start in his first game for the club against the Western Force on Friday after coming off the bench in the opening round.
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The Wallaby was bouncing off tacklers during his second-half stint, however, was hampered by an apparent hand/wrist injury.
However, the world-class prop has trained all week and proved his fitness ahead of the Super Round clash.
"He's brought a really great enthusiasm and larrikin nature to the group," Wilkin told reporters.
"Taniela's such a powerful athlete and Rugby player so early on, we're just giving him time to get his body right and confidence again after the World Cup.
"He's had a few little setbacks along the way so for him it's just getting back into Rugby and getting that enjoyment and I think you could see it in the second half there he really found his feet again."
Wilkin concedes their 27-point defeat was far from standard, souring his 50th Super Rugby game after dealing with years of setbacks.
"We’ve showed some good glimpses in defence. It’s just a few teething (issues) getting some cohesion together," he believes. "We’ve got a new forward pack essentially and new players. It might take a bit of time for us to be cohesive and put in that pack performance we are after.
"Obviously the result on the field was quite disappointing. We didn't put the performance we'd been building and striving for throughout the preseason. On a personal note, to get 50 caps in front of my mom and dad, it was quite special just given the journey that I've had to go through to get fit."
Matt Proctor will start in his first game for the club in the centres, partnering David Feliuai.
Alex Mafi will also start in the front-row, with James Tuttle coming into the halves.
REBELS (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Alex Mafi, Taniela Tupou, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Kemeny, Brad Wilkin, Rob Leota (c), James Tuttle, Carter Gordon, Filipo Daugunu, David Feliuai, Matt Proctor, Lachie Anderson, Andrew Kellaway
RESERVES: Jordan Uelese, Isaac Kailea, Sam Talakai, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Ryan Louwrens, Jake Strachan, Nick Jooste
