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If you place a blast template on the back armor of a wave serpent (even if you shoot at it from the front) does the energy field rule kick in?

Uhhm, yes.

Check the rules for templates+vehicles, it's pretty (or very) clear.

Do you have a page reference?

Look at the rules for blast markers, where it states that the shot is resolved against the facing the firing model is in. Same as all firing.

THe only time you can hurt the back armour of a WS when in the front or side arc is if your shot scatters OFF the wave serpent (i.e. centre hole is off the back) to behind the WS - you then resolve the damage in the facing the centre of the hole is in.

Based on yesterday, I am looking for a reason to argue with you, but I can't find one. Thanks for the responses guys.

If it is not a barrage and the hole on the marker is on the vehicle then the armour hit is the side facing the firer, regardless of the template position.
If it is a barrage and the hole on the marker is on the vehicle then side armour is always hit.
If the hole misses the vehicle then the armour hit is the side facing the centre of the marker.

See P60 - templates and blast weapons against vehicles.

Scott is entirely correct.

But now when we're talking about eldar vehicles, barrage means little...

Unless you're firing barrage while being in the rear zone of course, hitting side armour as opposed to rear armour is great.