Ruru (24) will come off the bench tonight and look to make an impact for Otago in Whangarei as the side takes on Northland in a crucial Mitre 10 Cup match.
Otago has two halfbacks and they are chalk and cheese.
Josh Renton is a passer of the ball, who has a quick release of the ball and also a good kicking game.
Ruru, on the other hand, is more of a combative player. He gets in and mixes it with the big men up front and breaks around the ruck. He has a nice pass but is more active in engaging the opposition.
Renton gets the start tonight for the fourth straight game and Ruru will come off the bench, a role he is comfortable with.
''There is a lot of competition within the squad for places. That can only mean good things for the team on the whole,'' he said.
''When you come on, you don't necessarily want to do something amazing. You have to see how the game is going. Try to pretty much stick to what the team is doing and what they are trying to achieve.''
Ruru made a big impact in the first game of the season, coming on against North Harbour after an hour, scoring a try and almost getting another couple.
But he was just glad to be on the field after a nasty knee injury picked up in a sevens tournament in Borneo in March threatened to wreck his season.
''I just hurt an old injury and it took a while in rehab to get back. But I managed to get back for my club and then back for Otago.
''It is a great environment to be in and a lot of fun. A good bunch of guys. Ever since I came down here, everyone has been really welcoming and get on with each other.''
Ruru came south last year after he was in a logjam of halfbacks in Hawke's Bay, and played well for Otago.
His future is unclear. He played for the New Zealand sevens side in a couple of tournaments at the end of last year and is also keen to take the next step to Super Rugby.
His older brother Michael, also a halfback, was contracted with the Western Force for this season but the two brothers both now face uncertain futures.
Ruru the younger, though, is not too worried. He is living in the moment and that means tonight's game in Whangarei.
''It is a key game for both unions, I think. Northland play a similar style to Auckland, who we have just played. A lot of big ball runners ... but if we can stick to what we are trying to achieve, then we'll be in with a chance.''
Otago sits three points ahead of Northland in the championship section of the Mitre 10 Cup so a win tonight could go a long way towards confirming a spot in the playoffs.
Northland has made a late change with lock Tim Bond out injured. Murray Douglas goes to lock and Jack Ram comes into the starting side.