But they have experience in this department, almost ending Ulster's then-unbeaten run in all competitions during the autumn internationals in November - narrowly losing 16-15 in a dramatic RaboDirect PRO12 encounter at Stadio di Monigo.
Treviso have won three of their four RaboDirect PRO12 matches since that defeat, and will travel to Rodney Parade to continue their recent revival against Newport Gwent Dragons on February 8.
And with replacements coming in - such as back row pairing Filippo Giusti and Michele Sutto - for the international break Smith is confident Treviso can keep moving forward despite their depleted numbers.
"It's our biggest challenge to keep the players positive," he said.
"But the players who have come in have shown they are very willing.
"Against Ulster we played without a lot of players and we could have been the first team to beat them this season.
"I have faith and every confidence in those players who aren't in the national team. I'm excited because it's players who haven't played too much so they have a lot of energy and motivation."
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