Widespread public interest in the second showdown in eight days between the Renegades and Stars was threatened by the Renegades' abysmal batting performance last weekend, when they were all out for 57 chasing 170.

But the Stars' dramatic super-over victory against Sydney Sixers and the Renegades' convincing 37-run win at Hobart has reduced some of the damage, in terms of public interest, caused by last weekend's 112-run demolition.

Helmot lauded the impact of Stokes, the all-rounder who was England's only century-maker in last summer's Ashes but who was left out of their World Cup squad because of a dire run of scores. He made 77 from 37 balls, including eight fours and five sixes.

"Considering the next-highest scores were (Callum) Ferguson with 31 from 31 and (George) Bailey with 20 from 24 he was the difference," Helmot said.

"It proved a good decision to put Stokes in early because while the ball was hard it was like a new-ball wicket, a bit easier to score, and he got away and hit cleanly."

The coach commended his players for the way they responded to being humiliated at home at Etihad Stadium last weekend, with the win over the Hurricanes preserving their chance to qualify for the semi-finals.

"It was a sense of relief for us to get a win after what's been a pretty [confronting period] – we've copped a bit since that game," he said. "I'm very pleased with their response. I always believe we had no choice ... it's one thing to talk about it but the second thing is to act on it."

The importance of getting a win in Hobart was reflected in the Renegades dropping much-admired vice-captain Ben Rohrer, who began the tournament yet to fully shrug off the effects of a hefty recent concussion, in favour of young West Australian Tom Beaton, who made 10 not out from 10 deliveries.

"It was really tough but ... when there's not too many games in a competition, at times you just need to make adjustments to your squad," the coach said.

"I'm still looking at, and expecting, our batting team to click. We rode on the coattails of one player last game; we're looking forward to getting some improved performances from our batting group."

Another batsman under pressure to lift against the Stars is Tom Cooper, who has made only 25 runs in four innings after coming into the tournament under severe emotional stress from the death of his housemate, Phillip Hughes.

Helmot is hoping James Pattinson will be cleared by Cricket Australia medical staff to return against the Stars, as part of his gradual increase in workload after a long-term back injury, to help the Renegades seal one of the (at least) two victories he reckons will be needed to make the semi-finals.

"We saw last season the Hurricanes got in with three and a half wins ... you'd definitely need to win four matches this season but if you want to nail it you need five to definitely get in," he said.