Defence remains Stormers’ cornerstone ahead of Welsh and Italian tests

The Cape Town side open their three-match tour in Wales against the Scarlets on Friday night at 20:45, before heading to Italy to take on Zebre Parma and Benetton Treviso.

The Stormers have started the campaign strongly, securing back-to-back wins over Leinster and the Ospreys, but Laker insists they’ll be keeping their focus firmly on one challenge at a time.

"I have learned on tour that you can't look too far ahead, so our focus rests on Scarletts for now, before our other matches.

"Zebre is another well-coached team that also always gives us a stiff challenge."

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Laker says while the Italian sides may not be favourites to win the title, they are both formidable at home.

The Stormers will lean on the insight of scrumhalf Dewald Duvenhage, who previously captained Benetton.

Laker believes his experience could prove invaluable in preparing for those fixtures.

Currently sitting second on the URC table with nine points, the Stormers’ early success has been built on a strong defensive platform.

They kept Leinster scoreless (35–0) in their opening match and conceded only two tries in their 26–10 win over the Ospreys.

Asked whether the defensive strategy will change from Wales to Italy, Laker says they might adjust a few details, but the principles will remain the same.

"I can't tell you what the attacking coaches from our opponents are thinking, but I have an idea of where they might want to put us under pressure."

The Stormers could still call on some of their returning Springboks following the national team’s Rugby Championship triumph.

Flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, utility back Damian Willemse, and scrumhalf Cobus Reinach have all had a busy international schedule.

Laker says the decision on which players to use will depend on several factors, including player workload, travel fatigue, and team balance.