Rugby: NOBM mentor's a key cog in Texans success

Napier Technical coach Asa Ene, left, and his NOBM counterpart Craig Gowler with the Nash Cup which is up for grabs today. Photo/Warren Buckland

Should Napier Technical upset Napier Old Boys Marist in today's Hawke's Bay premier rugby competition's first round final, NOBM coach Craig Gowler will take a fair chunk of credit.

"Craig was the first guy to approach me and encourage me to take up coaching. We are great friends and he's a big part of my success to date," Altherm Window Systems Napier Technical head coach Asa Ene said on the eve of the Tui Nash Cup final at Park Island.

Ene, 34, was one of Gowler's assistant coaches last year and the scaffolder with Pro Trade played for WIT Napier Old Boys Marist when Gowler was in his first season of coaching the side in 2014. Gowler was full of admiration for the work Ene has done in guiding the Texans to the final.

"Asa is doing a wonderful job and we're all proud as of him. When he was playing for us I realised he would make a good coach because he had a lot of respect from the players and he was quite game-smart.

"When his playing career ended with his ankle injury we offered him a coaching role. We told him we could help him progress and he could probably teach us a few things too. At the same time if he wanted to leave our club and go elsewhere we would continue to support him ... the channels are always open and I enjoy my chats with him," Gowler, a regional manager for Rural Fuel, said.

So the question had to be put to former Manawatu Turbos outside back Gowler: So you wouldn't mind if Tech won the final and ruined the Green Machine's chances of matching Clive's record of 46 consecutive wins set between 1999 and 2001?

"We're not even thinking about the record ... we're just enjoying the ride," Gowler replied.

For those who have forgotten his defending champions have won their last 41 matches. Gowler admitted the hosts were expecting a tough and physical encounter.

"Tech are the most improved team in the comp. They have beaten Hastings who we haven't played yet so this will give us an opportunity to see where we stand. We're excited and we know they will be well organised."

Regular starting outside backs Mitch Drew and Liam Edwards are on Gowler's injury list alongside experienced prop Eugene Gerrard. Magpies halfback Zac Donaldson has recovered from a hand injury which has sidelined him since December and he will turn out for the club's colts side today.

Ene said while he learnt a lot off Gowler he said Tech's previous co-coaches Steve Lloyd and Steve Woods left the squad in good shape last season.

"This year I've just had to clarify things a bit to make it a bit easier. The potential was always there with this group of boys ... I just had to find out what made them tick."

Ene pointed out NOBM only got the better of his lads during the final 10 minutes of their 35-25 win in round two.

"Against Hastings last week we were behind with 10 minutes to go but stuck with it to get our 26-23 win. That shows the growth within this squad."

Ene believed if his troops restricted NOBM's possession, reduced their error count and cut down NOBM's space they could sneak a victory. Without inspirational captain and hooker Tere Joel, Magpies lock-loosie Trent Boswell-Wakefield and classy centre Sebastian Visibia, who are all on the injured list, they will be doing well to stay within 11 points.

In Visibia's absence former Magpies midfield back Sam Giddens will start at centre. Giddens was the hero of NOBM's Maddison Trophy win in 2016 and his clash with Shae Tucker has the potential to be a match highlight.

As has been the case so often during the last three seasons NOBM's bench will give them the edge during the final 10 minutes if the game is still tight as it was the last time they took on Tech. Blokes like former Olympic Games swimmer Willie Benson, workaholic lock Sean Skeet, halfback Sam Weber and speedsters Sammi Lauano and Craig Sharplin are all classy at this level.

Apart from the first half of their match against Taradale four weeks ago NOBM haven't been pushed since that round two match against the Texans. This fact could work against them.

Tech's close semifinal last weekend could prove to be an advantage.

Teams for the 3pm final:
WIT Napier Old Boys Marist: Saia Paese, Michael Buckley, Shae Tucker, Paul Bickle, Migao Lauano, Johnny Lauano, Ellery Wilson, Hannon Brighouse, Chris Johnston (captain), Ricky Hayes, Tyler Symone-Bourke, Matt Gardner, Terry Marsh, Jack Nelson-Murray, Chris Benson. Substitutes: Willie Benson, Lee Moleili, Matt Thompson, Sean Skeet, Sam Weber, Sammi Lauano, Craig Sharplin.
Altherm Window Systems Napier Technical: JJ Taulagi, Misi Lealaisalona, Sam Giddens, Ted Walters, Junior Saufoi, Tane McGuire, Johnny Bristol, Tauese Fatialofa (captain), Slayde Lange, Jordan Faia, Elijah Martin, Todd Cushing, Lani Latu, Perrin Manuel, Mark Braidwood. Substitutes: James Hughes, Campbell Morgan, Jack Smidt, Dylan Ramsay, Nathan Pulega, Bailey Galbraith, Scott Hamilton.