Stormers backline coach Robbie Fleck has called for the ball to go through flyhalf Peter Grant more often during the tough semifinal clash with the Crusaders.

While many coaches might have spent their time worrying about how to combat Dan Carter, Fleck calmly insists that he has his own playmaker in the No.10 jersey.

"We haven't had Bash [Grant] fit for the whole season and we've had youngsters at flyhalf, so we haven't really taken control of matches [with ball in hand], Fleck told rugby365.com.

There has also been a tendency for some tight forwards to play among the backs this season, which can backfire if a front row forward finds himself at flyhalf during a crucial movement.

Fleck believes the forwards do have an important role to play as ball carriers, but wants more ball for his backline.

"When there is a bit of flow and movement forward we want our backs to get the ball and don't want the tight forwards in the way, so Bash will need to control that."

The Stormers scored 44 points in their last match against the Cheetahs, which is an example of what the team can do when they launch a full-scale attack, but a more conservative approach must be expected in a tight semifinal.

"Both teams would like to talk about an open game, but we all understand how semifinals are played and it's pretty much test match stuff," Fleck admitted.

"There is no doubt that we would like to keep the ball in hand and put them under pressure, but we have to play rugby in the right areas of the field."

Defence has been the cornerstone of the Stormers' success this season, and they will need to be at their miserly best again to repel waves of Crusaders attack.

Fleck identified the centre pairing of Sonny Bill Williams and Robbie Fruean as essential to the Crusaders' offence, but has faith that the Stormers midfield can keep the duo quiet.

"Sonny Bill and Fruean have formed a formidable partnership, but I'd like to think we have the best three centres in the country so it will be a great midfield battle," Fleck said.

"Sonny Bill played a big role in their victory last time with two special moments, and it's a big challenge to contain him and Fruean who is the top line-breaker.

"We don't want to change too much defensively, because our system has gotten us to where we are and we don't want to change too much because of one or two individuals.

By Timmy Hancox