The dynamic flanker had to settle for a bit-part role in Warren Gatland’s Autumn plans as Wales finally ended their 22-game losing streak against the southern hemisphere’s big three.
Fellow Osprey James King took Tipuric’s place on the bench for the South Africa triumph, but Rhys wants him to recapture his test match form for the crucial back-to-back meetings with Racing Metro.
He said: “Justin might be one who hasn’t had the profile of others over the past month. But he certainly has the ability. He has enjoyed coming back into the mix, knowing there’s a challenge that has a physical boundary to it this week but he’s also clear that we want to play some rugby and he’s a pivotal part of that.
“We want to make him the heart of things we do in our attacking game on Saturday.He’s excited by that and I suppose he does have points to prove.”
It will be friends reunited at the Liberty Stadium as former Osprey Mike Phillips and the Welsh duo of Jamie Roberts and Luke Charteris line-up for the Parisians.
They are part of a Racing Metro side who top Pool Five on eight points after victories over Northampton Saints and Benetton Treviso.
The Ospreys are playing catch-up with five points from two matches, after overcoming the Italians but losing to Saints.
And with a wealth of multi-national talent on show for the Top 14, Rhys has called for his senior stars to front-up.
He said: “Experience is invaluable.This is a big game for us in the biggest club competition around, and the Wales boys want to be a part of it.
“There have been some pleasing aspects over the past few weeks and some of the individuals involved will miss out, but that’s the nature of having certain players coming back into the mix at world-class level.”
