Rugby: Brilliant duo shine for Whaka

It's said lightning never strikes twice in the same place but Whakarewarewa might not agree.

The Baywide premier side have two players named Chris in their side and, like lightning, they are both freaks of nature.

First there is centre Chris Miller. Everything this kid touches seems to turn to gold. He can play any position in the backline. He tackles like his life depends on it and with ball in hand he is as slippery as a politician during a question-and-answer session.

Then you have halfback Chris van der Vlugt.

The 25-year-old is your typical nippy little halfback which every opposing prop wants to get their hands on, especially at the bottom of a ruck. He is lightning quick and on those rare occasions he does get caught in a ruck he is as hard as nails.

Van der Vlugt said being a mouthpiece was vital especially between the forwards and backs.

"I think that's what it's all about. Like getting in the opposition's ear, letting them know you're there and getting the big boys off the floor, when they need it.

"They need a bit of encouragement to get around and show them where to go and basically lead them around, I guess."

Born and bred in Rotorua, rugby was not actually on the agenda when he was a student at Rotorua Boys' High School.

"I played soccer at school. I was right into it back then. I didn't start playing rugby until I left school."

Although Whaka were beaten by Tauranga Sports at the weekend, 36-16 - van der Vlugt said there was a good vibe amongst the boys.

"We've had a couple of good wins but obviously Tauranga are a pretty good team. We've just got to go back to the drawing board Tuesday, Thursday," van der Vlugt said.

"We got caught out wide a couple of times on defence, I think [there are] a few things to work on out there and our scrum was getting a bit pushed backwards sometimes but, like I said, they're a good team."

The halfback was a pocket dynamo throughout the entire match.

His defence around the ruck and maul was exceptional, often killing the opposition's attack. He also managed to score one of his side's two tries.

At 78kg, van der Vlugt is one of the smallest players on the field but that does not stop him taking on the big men.

"I'm not scared at all, obviously being brought up in Rotorua, you know there are always big boys. So, it's all good."

Van der Vlugt's next biggest challenge is becoming a father as he and his partner, Kyra Monro, are expecting their first child soon.

The Whaka faithful will probably be hoping the little bundle of joy will hold off until after Whaka's next match against Paroa at Puarenga Park on Saturday.