Stormers have to keep their eye on Harlequins elusive flyhalf Marcus Smith

The Stormers are battling through a difficult phase in the Champions Cup, following last week’s 24-14 defeat to Toulon in Gqeberha.

With their backs against the wall, another loss to Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop in London on Saturday (10pm kick-off) could signal an early end to their campaign.

What complicates matters further is the absence of key Springbok players who are sidelined due to injury, leaving the team to face their London opponents without several crucial assets.

However, hopes are high that captain Salmaan Moerat will return after a knee injury, albeit some players are staying behind in Cape Town to prepare for upcoming local derbies in the United Rugby Championship.

In the absence of two injured flyhalves, it’s expected that director of rugby John Dobson will hand the No.10 jersey to youngster Jurie Matthee, who will be pivotal in trying to contain Harlequins pivot Marcus Smith’s skill-set.

With a reputation for creating magic on the field, Smith has proven himself a continually elusive target, as witnessed during his dazzling performance against the Springboks during their November Test.

The pressure is firmly on Matthee, as the defensive work he executes will be crucial in maintaining control against a playmaker known for his ability to exploit defenders’ weaknesses.

Stormers defence coach Norman Laker acknowledges the substantial challenge Smith provides.

“He is potentially a big threat,” Laker said.

“He can put any player into a hole or create something from nothing when on the attack.”

While some Stormers players are familiar with Smith, the unpredictability he brings as a flyhalf will ensure they make special plans for him.

They understand that a firm defensive strategy could lead to forcing errors from the hot stepper, but the risk is inherent.

If he finds his rhythm, and his playmaking prowess comes to the fore, Harlequins will be at a significant advantage.

But if the weather does not play along for eye-catching rugby, the South Africans also want to tighten up their physicality.

“We will have to look at how we approach the game, because the weather is not the same as in South Africa,” Laker cautioned, indicating that weather conditions could influence any running rugby game-plan.

The Stormers, fresh from a physical and challenging encounter against Toulon that tested their resolve, will look to channel that toughness in the clash with Harlequins.

They can also draw inspiration from last year's ‘B team’ that played an overseas game in the Champions Cup.

That side gave Leicester Tigers an uphill battle in the pool stages, so the team know that maintaining pressure could disrupt Smith and provide room for victory.

While the Stormers have their share of world-class players, the effectiveness of their defence will be central to shutting down Smith’s influence.

The onus will lie on the Cape side to defend as a collective unit, and avoid falling victim to Smith’s remarkable playmaking skills.

If they can execute that, they will have a strong chance of pulling off an upset away from home.