J.J. Harmse

Pretoria – The euphoria of the Blue Bulls’ Currie Cup triumph is such an overwhelming emotion that he has not quite yet comprehended his inclusion in the Springbok squad that gathers in Johannesburg on Monday.

That was the reaction of loose forward Dewald Potgieter after his inclusion Saturday night in the squad that departs for England on Tuesday for matches against Leicester and Saracens, and tests against France, Italy and Ireland.

A delighted Potgieter also told Sport24 that he initially thought that he had not made the squad.

“I thought I hadn’t been picked when I saw the names get to Morné Steyn. I just wanted to collapse from disappointment. Then I realised the backline players’ names were being read out first. When my name was read, I was very, very happy,” said Potgieter.

Potgieter skippered the Emerging Springboks earlier this year and he was a strong contender for a place in the touring squad.

“It is still an unbelievable feeling. I have so many cherries on my cake now that I can’t believe it. This is what you play rugby for. I think the Bulls’ success contributed a lot and I can just thank my team-mates,” he said.

“The hard work starts now because you have to justify the faith being placed in you.”

Potgieter’s smile was just as broad as that of scrumhalf Heini Adams, who was picked at short notice in place of Ricky Januarie. Adams has to go and apply for a British visa on Monday before he joins up with the squad.

“It’s a wonderful feeling. I almost cannot believe it. I don’t know what to say,” said the usually chatty Adams.

“It’s a dream come true.”