Rugby: NOBM on edge in countdown to crunch clash

On Edge: Napier Old Boys Marist coach Craig Gowler admits his team's unbeaten run faces its toughest test today. Photo/File

It's the most cautious Napier Old Boys Marist have been all season and head coach Craig Gowler is the first to admit it.

"Definitely ... this game has got everyone on edge," Hawke's Bay Insurances Limited Napier Old Boys Marist coach Gowler said as he pondered today's fifth-round Tui Maddison Trophy encounter against Alterm Window Systems Napier Technical at Whitmore Park.

"They are improving, they are a strong side and we're going to have to show them respect. But we know we are capable," Gowler said after watching the Hawke's Bay union's video footage of the Texans 38-7 win against Hastings Rugby and Sports last weekend.

Factor in Gowler's lengthy injury list and this weekend's wet weather and Gowler and his troops have every right to be cautious as they attempt their 28th consecutive win of the season against the only other unbeaten team in the comp.

"Yes it's going to be played in wet weather. But we still intend to play positive rugby. You do plan for days like this and we will adapt to the conditions as we go. There will be a few more errors and it will come down to how both teams react to those."

As he was being interviewed last night Gowler received a text informing him of Magpies prop Jarvy Aoake's unavailability with a foot strain. Aoake joins fellow frontrower Lau Ta'a, captain and lock Sean Skeet, lock-loosie Hannon Brighouse, flanker Willy Benson, second five-eighth Paul Bickle, winger Mitch Drew and utility back Sam Weber on the injured list.

Regular lock-loosie Ricky Hayes will start at second five-eighth. He played in this position for the Hawke's Bay under-19 team last year.

The experienced Mike King will replace Aoake and colts prop Johnny Faleiva will replace King on the pine. Two other colts, lock-loosie Regan Leahy and outside back Jared Travers will also be on the subs bench.

Gowler and Tech co-coach Steve Woods coached the Napier Ross Shield team together a few years back and they remain good mates. They had coffee together earlier this week.

"I think the bet was a couple of jugs ... oh and the biggest smile," Gowler added.

All Black Sevens rep Tamati Samuels won't be turning out for Tech as he leaves the country on Tuesday for a two-tournament stint with the Hokkaido Barbarians Sevens team in Japan and won't be back in the country until July 10. In his absence Tane McGuire will switch from centre to first five-eighth and he could be the ideal choice if the conditions make the short game the priority.

"If we have to play like the Lions and kick for the corners I'm sure Tane will cope with that role," Tech manager Cyril Whitburn said.

"We know we have to play for 80 minutes to beat them. There's a good team spirit at the moment and we know the home ground advantage could be worth seven to 10 points for us. There shouldn't be much in it," Whitburn said.

And will the hosts turn down kickable penalties like they did in their 32-5 Nash Cup round loss to NOBM at Park Island?

"No way. We learnt that lesson the hard way ... we won't be kicking the ball out when points are on offer," Whitburn replied.

Tech prop Sam Mann is unavailable with an injury and fellow frontrower Nathan Pulega and utility back Uta Tupuola are away at a funeral. Baby Blacks prop Tim Farrell has an exam in Wellington this morning and isn't expected to return to Napier until 15 minutes into the match.

While the Texans should be in the hunt up until the 65th minute mark expect an 11-point victory to NOBM. K9 Petfoods Clive are capable of a nine-point win against Northfuels Central in Waipukurau and Progressive Meats Havelock North should end their three-game losing streak with a 16-point win against MAC at Anderson Park.

Expect Ansin & Monteith Hastings Rugby and Sports to return to the winning path with a 17-point win against Tamatea at Bill Mathewson Park, Hastings. The closest game of the round is likely to be at Tareha Reserve where Tanalised Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports could upset Taradale by two points.