Rowe still power forward, just in different code
TOM Rowe was a power forward in his round ball days.
Now he is trying to be a power forward in the oval ball game.
Rowe (26) is in his first full season in the Otago team and the lock — weighing in at 114kg and 2.01m tall — is enjoying every minute in the blue and gold.
He noticed the intensity of the game at provincial level when he came on for his first game at the start of this season.
‘‘When I first got out there against North Harbour it was a bit of surprise. It was quicker. The time to make a decision was way different to club stuff and even in the Bs,’’ Rowe said.
‘‘Everyone does their job so your job becomes more narrow and you’ve got to become really good at it.
‘‘For me it is just taking care of rucks and having carries when I have the opportunity and set piece when it comes along.’’
‘‘I’m still learning at this level but it is a great. Just the camaraderie. It is awesome. There are 23 guys maybe more, and that makes for a good time.’’
Rowe was a promising basketballer at school, good enough to make the Junior Tall Blacks.
But there was always an itch to try rugby.
‘‘I got into basketball at high school. I played rugby in under14s as a centre. Just that third form year, then I pursued basketball.
‘‘When I was 21 I thought I might have a might have a go at footy. My old man was more into his footy and he helped me along.
‘‘I guess it was a big decision. I thought it would be just a year away from basketball. I just needed a break from basketball but then I sort of played, met some good lads and stuck with it. And here I am.
‘‘It just happened when I switched I met a great bunch of lads in my club [ZingariRichmond] team.
‘‘I wanted to spend more time with them so I just sort of stuck with it.’’
Rowe slowly climbed the ranks and made his debut for Otago last year, although he played only twice for the side.
He said fitness was very different between the two codes.
‘‘It took me a long time to get used to the new fitness. Just putting out a max rep and putting on a big tackle. That is like being in the gym and doing a max lift all the time. While in basketball, there is a lot of sprinting and not as many collisions.’’
He had played the odd game of basketball since making the switch but said rugby was still fresh and exciting.
‘‘My old man [Jack] has definitely helped. He goes to every game and always lets me know what I am doing wrong.’’
Rowe is a teacher at Balmacewen Intermediate but is just relieving this year to devote more time to his rugby career.
He had added about 8kg.
‘‘I want to put some good weight on and get rid of some bad. When I got half a sniff I noticed it more. Collisions were harder to be in. With a bit more weight behind you, you do not get as knocked up.’’