FOR the Blue Bulls, it is a new season, new targets, new players and a new captain for their Currie Cup campaign.

The Pretoria side have been hard at work with their preparations for the domestic competition and they have a new captain in Bok loose-forward Deon Stegmann, who takes over from last year's skipper Jono Ross. The Currie Cup kicks off in two weeks.

After a disappointing Super Rugby campaign, coach Frans Ludeke's men look to rectify their woes as well as their failure to reach the knockout stages of last season's Currie Cup.

"There is a lot that we can learn [from this year's Super Rugby disappointment]. I think there were a few moments where we lost the ball at crucial times in front of the tryline, and that is something we will look to rectify in the Currie Cup," Stegmann said.

"There's definitely some pressure on me being the captain, but I'm looking forward to it. I think it's a great challenge and something I look to embrace."

The Bulls have seen an emergence of young talent in the Kriel twins, Jesse and Dan, locks Nico Janse van Rensburg and Marvin Orie and flanker Roelof Smit, who are all expected to make their mark in the Currie Cup. The team have also recruited Blitzbokke Sevens star Jamba Ulengo.

Stegmann is also going into the new season with some caution following injury woes on his side.

The flanker missed out on the bulk of the Super Rugby season due to recurring injuries.

He said: "It's definitely frustrating because we play rugby because we love it, and injuries are always a drawback.

"Hopefully my rehab went well and the injuries stay away throughout this Currie Cup."