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Pretoria - Bulls loose forward Dewald Potgieter will be out of action for at least six weeks after undergoing surgery on Sunday.
Potgieter suffered multiple cuts to his arm in an accident over the weekend and underwent an operation to repair the damage.
According to the Beeld newspaper, the loose forward cut his right arm badly when trying to open a window at a wedding over the weekend.
Bulls coach Frans Ludeke said he felt for Potgieter, who just returned from an ankle injury.
"Dewald worked very hard to get back in shape and ready for Super Rugby, so it is a setback to him and to the team," Ludeke told SAPA.
"He was going to be an important cog in our loose trio combinations, but we are blessed to have some good depth in that position."
Potgieter's misfortune now opens the door for former SA Schools and Under-20 captain, CJ Stander, to make his Super Rugby debut for the Bulls against the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.
Stander, Deon Stegmann and Pierre Spies are expected to run out as the Bulls' loose trio against the Sharks.
The 21-year-old Stander performed well at eightman in their pre-season clash against the Cheetahs last weekend but shouldn't have any problems shifting to flank for the start of the season proper.
"I've played in all three positions for the Blue Bulls so I don't really mind where I get a chance," said Stander.
