Melbourne Rebels lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is hoping the side can back up last week's win as they look to silence criticism about their forward pack.
Salakaia-Loto was crucial in their second half comeback win over the Western Force, coming up from a 15-point lead to secure the 48-34 victory.
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“The boys have grown a bit in confidence and the belief is gotten stronger as the result was massive for us," he said.
“We understood that it was going take a full game performance to get the win and the Force cam out and really tested us, put us under pressure in that first half.
“We went back to that belief, stuck to our guns and trusted our process. We understood if we did that, the result would eventually turn and that showed in that second half, especially in the last 20.”
The Rebels had further motivation last week after Wallabies legend Tim Horan labelled their forward pack as 'soft' in their 30-3 defeat to the Brumbies in round one.
Salakaia-Loto confirmed coach Kevin Foote's revelation that he took the comments personally as he looks to inspire the side to their maiden finals appearance.
“It’s not good hearing those things being spoken about our pack," he admits.
“We were a bit off in that round one but that was probably the first time we’ve played together so we’re building and continuously trying to grow from strength to strength, especially the quality we boast within the pack.
“I did take that personally and that was good because we rolled our sleeves up and took that challenge front on. That’s the challenge this week, to grow on that and take this pack to where we know it can go.
“I see myself as the glue of the pack and just try and get the boys on the same page along with Sam Talakai, he’s another one that brings us all together and he’s a real leader of the pack.
“...I think collectively you’re going to see where this pack can go because from jersey 1-20 and the guys that aren’t playing, I think we’ve got the potential to be a real strong pack and a pack that isn’t soft."
The Rebels are preparing for a physical clash with Moana Pasifika, naming Vaiolini Ekuasi at flanker.
Jordan Uelese and Sam Talakai come into the starting side, leaving Taniela Tupou to provide impact off the bench alongside debutant Ethan Dobbins.
Jake Strachan comes into fullback after Matt Proctor's injury, pushing Andrew Kellaway to wing and Filipo Daugunu to the centres.
“We understand they pose a threat across the park, individually they’re great and collectively they’re getting stronger as you’ve seen over the past couple of seasons," Salakaia-Loto added.
“The physical threat is something we’ve got to combat but we’ve also got that physical threat as well. It’s a good match-up, especially in the pack up front. So that’s something we can’t wait to get into."
REBELS (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Jordan Uelese, Sam Talakai, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Kemeny, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Rob Leota (c), Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Andrew Kellaway, David Feliuai, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Jake Strachan
RESERVES: Ethan Dobbins, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Daniel Maiava, James Tuttle, Glen Vaihu, Lukas Ripley
