Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie has placed rookie prop Dan Palmer on standby after Al Baxter took a knock to the face at training on Wednesday. 

Palmer is on his way to Cape Town and is scheduled to arrive in the city on Thursday morning.

The Waratahs have already lost one tighthead prop in Matt Dunning with a calf strain.

"Al [Baxter] copped a blow to the face and he's has some scans as a precaution," said McKenzie.

"The scans haven't revealed anything serious but tighthead is such a confrontational position that we need to be sure Al's 100 percent by Saturday.

"We've got a few days up our sleeve and I'm pretty sure Al will be ok. If not, I've got full confidence in Dan [Palmer] who made his debut against the massive Highlanders front row in Dunedin this year," added the coach.

McKenzie said the build-up to the Stormers clash has been significant.

"It's like semifinal week in Cape Town, we've been busy with the local press and the sports pages are dominated by this game. It's going to be a memorable game for our guys at Newlands," said McKenzie.

"We need to focus on our job better than last week because the Stormers will be desperate to win in front of their home crowd," added McKenzie.

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