Rugby: Wee Waipu trooper key

Chris Smith may be among Waipu's smallest soldiers but he is the one Otamatea should dread most during this week's promotion-relegation.

Smith, 18, is the youngest in the squad but has amassed 269 points in 15 games, including 15 tries, 67 conversions and 20 penalties.

Waipu earned the right to challenge for a spot in the premiers after beating Whangaruru 26-12 at Waipu in the division two final.

"He's a young guy with a big future," Waipu coach Dusty Reader said. With a range of 45m, Smith had kicked four penalties and two conversions in the win over Whangaruru and would be a key weapon this weekend in Maungaturoto.

"This is his first year in the seniors and he's been pretty impressive. He'll be a key man for us next weekend," he said.

Saturday's game would determine the gap between a division two and a premier side, he added.

Waipu was relegated to division two about five years ago and since then Reader said the team had been rebuilding with the aim of getting back into the premiers.

"Otamatea had a good season, they've had some close games, scored some points but leaked some as well and our strength is speed and mobility.

"We are the smallest team in division two, we've got a good forward pack and a technically sound set piece but we know we're in for a tough game."

Waipu has lost only four games in two years. At the weekend it scored two tries, two conversions and four penalties while Whangaruru managed two tries.