HE MIGHT have missed out on Springbok selection for the Four Nations, but Dewald Potgieter was given very little time to dwell on that setback after he was named Blue Bulls Currie Cup captain.

Even though the competition has lost some of its gloss over the past few years, Potgieter is of the firm view it still provides a springboard to higher honours.

"You cannot just hope to get into a Four Nations squad; there will be other opportunities," he said.

"I have had some bad luck in that regard but I also knew it was going to be a tall order. When the Bok side was announced, I did not want to think about it too much. People will notice if your head is in the wrong space."

Potgieter's first assignment is on Friday when the Bulls take on Griquas at Loftus.

"I am always excited by the dynamic in the Currie Cup, where you have senior players and a bunch of guys just starting out. I would like to make a big impact in that regard."

Following the retirement of several senior players, the Bulls had to introduce fresh talent in the Super 15 and the experience gained there, Potgieter believes, could be put to use in the Cup.

Coach Pine Pienaar named a squad that features three Springboks in the starting line-up, while another Bok, Werner Kruger, will start off the bench.

Fetcher Deon Stegmann is in the starting line-up, the Ireland-bound CJ Stander is on the bench, and Junior World Cup star Jan Serfontein will cover centre and wing from the substitutes' bench.

BULLS TEAM

Jurgen Visser, Akona Ndungane, Ulrich Beyers, Francois Venter, Clayton Blommetjies, Louis Fouché , Ruan Snyman, Dewald Potgieter (captain), Arno Botha, Deon Stegmann, Cornell Hess, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Frik Kirsten, Willie Wepener, Dawie Steyn.

Replacements: Robbie Coetzee, Werner Kruger, Grant Hattingh, CJ Stander, Lohan Jacobs, Lionel Cronjé, Jan Serfontein.