Flanker Colby Fainga’a has no regrets about his switch to the Melbourne Rebels despite a vacancy in the Brumbies Super Rugby starting side through David Pocock’s season-ending knee injury.

The 22-year-old would have probably been first in line to wear Pocock’s jersey, with the former Wallabies skipper requiring a second round of surgery.

Fainga’a says he is happy to fight for a start in the Rebels line-up, which he has claimed for Saturday’s clash with the Western Force.

“I’m very happy with the decision I’ve made to come to the Rebels and fight for my position down here,” he said.

“It’s so unlucky and I feel so bad to Poey.”

Coach Tony McGahan has made six changes to the starting 15 despite their impressive opening win over the Cheetahs, saying he is still undecided on his best combinations.

Fainga’a, who was Australia’s under-20s skipper, has come in for tireless tackler Scott Fuglistaller, who will now be on the beach.

The large turnover to a winning side caught the Rebels by surprise.

“Everyone had great trials and the competition for every position in our squad is hotly contested,” said Fainga’a.

“To go to where we want to be as a Super Rugby club and win a competition, you need a good squad rather than just a team and I think we have that at the moment.”

Fainga’a, who is the younger brother of Queensland and Wallaby twins Saia and Anthony, said the Force backrow would provide a massive test despite their losing start to the season.

Force flanker and skipper Matt Hodgson is also celebrating his 100th Super cap for the club.

“It’s going to be an very emotional game for them,” Fainga’a said.

“Their number eight Ben McCalman’s an awesome player and the quality of the back row they have, it’s going to be something that our forward pack have to take on.

“Our squad as a whole prides itself on defence and good breakdown execution so we’re fairly confident that we can have a decent crack at their back row.”