Rufus saw first hand the latest debutant, fellow full back Trent McClenahan, on Saturday at Crewe, and he declares:
"Trent was very good; I have seen him in training and in the reserves and he looks a very good player.
"I don't know if he is going to play against Southend but if he does, I don't think we will have any problems whatsoever.
"And Darren Blewitt, who travelled on Saturday, is another good player who will do well in the future, I am sure."
Rufus scored his first goal for the Hammers at Gresty Road, albeit by a deflection, and jokes:
"I put a bit of dip on it!
"But it was just nice to score because I haven't done that for quite a while.
"I did have a go earlier, so it was two shots and one goal - that is not bad.
"Teddy might be proud of that, but he got his two goals and he is doing all right.
"Last year was an absolute nightmare for me and all I want to do now is play some football - and score some goals!
"My target is one every three years but as long as we get three points, that is the main thing...."
Rufus is full of praise for his captain's performance on Saturday and says:
"I don't think you quite realise how good he is until you have played with him.
"I have played against him quite a few times but with him he is different gear and different class; he is a great talker and it is a pleasure to play alongside him.
"He could have gone anywhere but he supported West Ham as a a lad so it is nice he has come to us."
Rufus says that winning at Crewe was vital after the Wigan defeat, and adds:
"It was the only response we could have had; hopefully the Wigan game was a one-off.
"I don't want to be involved in another game like that because it was not nice for us, the supporters, or anyone involved.
"It was a long week waiting to get it out of our system and I did think the 3-2 score line flattered Crewe a bit - but we stuck at it and got the win.
"I think a lot of people would have been looking at that game on Saturday to see what response we were going to give, and it was a positive one."
Nonetheless, he feels that the winning margin should have been greater and adds:
"The game could have been 5-0 or 6-0 but we conceded two sloppy goals."
Anton Ferdinand moved to his favoured position at the heart of the defence and Rufus says:
"Anton did very well and is showing his stature; he talks a lot more now and is going to be a very good player." As for the Southend game, he adds:
"If you keep winning games it breeds confidence so we are not taking it lightly; it is a massive match for them and they will raise their game so we have to compete with them in every department.
"We want to get on a bit of a run and that means winning tonight; because, just like getting into the losing habit, you can get into the winning habit - and I know what I would rather have."