Howley has resumed temporary charge of the national team while Warren Gatland prepares full-time to head up the British and Irish Lions in Australia later this year.
After a win against the Barbarians last June, Howley oversaw five successive Test defeats before Gatland reclaimed the hot seat for November losses to New Zealand and Australia.
Although results did not go for Howley, 57 times-capped former Wales captain Rees has no doubt that he fits the bill.
"Rob has huge respect from the players and the coaches involved," he said.
"I thought he did a great job in the autumn, although results didn't go our way.
"Rob is an experienced coach and there is the strength of (assistant coaches) Robin (McBryde), Shaun (Edwards) and Neil (Jenkins) with him.
"Rob has got the same strengths as Warren as a coach and it is great for us to have him.
"The important thing for us is not to worry too much about the opposition, but making sure we get our own house in order and ensure we prepare well for Ireland."
Wales kick off their Six Nations title defence against Ireland in Cardiff on Saturday week and it is not overstating the case to suggest their campaign could stand or fall on events at the Millennium Stadium.
"With three successive games on the road - France, Italy and Scotland - it underlines how important that first game is at home to Ireland," Rees added.
"The most important thing for us is we make sure we learn from what happened in the autumn.
"We've got some new faces involved in the squad, and for us it is a fresh challenge. There is a lot of competition for places and hopefully that will bring the best out of the players.
"We know how disappointing we were in the autumn series with four losses, but that is all in the past now and we've got to make sure we learn from that.
"It is a tough Six Nations with three games on the road after the first one at home. We all know the first game up is the most important one in terms of getting momentum and confidence leading into the rest of the campaign.
"It's a massive Six Nations - and in terms of defending the title as well and the Lions tour at the end of it. It's huge for all the nations.
"We won it last year and we know that every team we play against will be coming at us."
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