Pasilio Tosi is the All Blacks’ bolter that many may not have expected, but the 25-year-old’s size and physical ability have earned him a place in the 32-man squad to face England and Fiji in July. Yes.
Tosi, who played primarily off the bench for the Hurricanes in 2024 but had a standout performance with the starting unit during Tyrel Lomax’s injury, was one of the few players present for the squad naming.
Naturally, the 140kg former No. 8 had a big smile on his face and admitted his heart was pounding backstage knowing his name would be called.
He recalled receiving good news after a week of training with a larger group than the Super Rugby Pacific finalists.
“I usually don’t answer calls from numbers I don’t know, but after hearing in pre-camp, ‘Whether you call me or not, you’ll get a call on Monday,’ I was anxious all weekend. “He said at the event.
Big props to him for talking about how his kids would wake him up in the morning, and he would “just put on my sweatshirt and go for a walk upstairs. Shit, I just woke up.”
It was a moment of mild confusion for the Tosi family, with tantrums exploding and a movie playing in the background while the Hurricane Gun responded to Scott Robertson’s call.
“It’s a feeling I can’t put into words, but I’m glad I was able to learn and I hope I can wear the uniform during the season and make everyone proud.”
Although external expectations about the props were limited, Tosi said quiet conversations took place throughout the season, making him feel like he was a part of the selection debate.
“I heard whispers throughout the season that if I just keep working little by little, I’m almost there.
“But I didn’t want to keep that thought in my head. I just wanted to go out and have fun playing rugby. When I first started playing, I played because I loved to play, not for anything else. I loved running with the ball.”
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Tosi credits mentoring and an ego check at the Hurricanes as key factors in his successful transition from number eight to prop.
“Moving to prop was probably the best thing I could have done. The hardest part was checking my ego and telling myself I could make it at 8, but realistically there is no 8 person walking around with 140 clicks (kilos).
“It was the best change for me, it was only after checking my ego that I was able to switch to prop, get better coaching and learn from one of the best players in Tyrel (Lomax). I also learned from Jamie Mackintosh. I give him a big round of applause. He helped me come a long way in scrumming.
“Once I got everything sorted out, I could just focus on the game.”
The Hurricanes scrum has been pushing opponents back all year and Tosi was just one of the club’s leading rowers to impress as the Hurricanes clinched the top seed in the Super Rugby Pacific table.
Xavier Numia was expected to feature in the All Blacks selection before his injury, while former All Blacks XV selectors Tevita Mafileo and Pouri Rakete-Stones continued their strong work around set-pieces and beyond.
Tosi’s mindset when speaking at the event showed that he was ready to grab the opportunity with both hands.
“When I relaxed and announced the squad, my heart was pounding. And as soon as I heard my name, I felt like I was part of the squad and could potentially wear that jersey. this year.
“I don’t want it given to me, I want to get it. “Hopefully I can earn that jersey and do it proud throughout the season.”
Scott Robertson was asked what went into Tosi’s selection and joked about the bromance between the All Blacks rookie and forwards coach Jason Ryan.
“Jason Ryan, he fell in love pretty quickly. It was like MAFS (Married at First Sight).” The coach laughed.
“He is a truly incredible athlete. He took his opportunity when Tyrell was sidelined. He can start, he can come off the bench, he’s a big man, that’s what Test football is about.
“He’s a great kid and he’ll do well in the black jersey.”
