He’s the 140kg wrecking ball who threatens to turn the Wallabies’ Bledisloe Cup dream into a nightmare. After making his Test debut against Fiji in July, Pasilio Tosi will come off the bench looking to terrorise the Australians at Accor Stadium on Saturday.
A Journey From Back Row to Front Row
Tosi’s journey to the All Blacks jersey is one of remarkable transformation. The Rotorua High School graduate was toiling away in the back row in club rugby when the pandemic hit four years ago. The lockdown, however, turned out to be a catalyst for his career. “That lockdown, food was my best friend,” Tosi said. He put on weight, and the super-sized Stags forward realized he needed to make a change to save his rugby career. “I made the call, had to talk to my partner as well, and it was kind of just ego,” Tosi said. “An ego thing telling myself that like I didn’t want to change from eight, but I still want to have the focus. But I knew that it was a good change for me and it would have been a new challenge as well. So I feel like if I hadn’t have changed, I wouldn’t be here at the moment.”
A Transition That Paid Off
Tosi’s decision to move to the front row was a gamble that paid off. He first went from the Stags to the Steamers before earning a Super Rugby contract with the Hurricanes in 2021. His performance has earned him the respect of his peers and coaches alike. “It’s a huge testament because obviously being a No.8 for so many years and then transitioning to play prop and being an international prop, not many people can do that,” Savea said.
More Than Just Size
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson is impressed with Tosi’s versatility and work ethic. “He’s skillful, big, got good feet, understands the game well and he’s really hard on his craft,” Robertson said. “He’s a Test footballer, he’s got the size, he’s a unit – he’s first to most meals and has got a great sense of humour but when he crosses the line, he can switch. So he’s a good balance for us.” Tosi, now living out a childhood dream, is determined to make the most of his opportunity. “It’s a huge privilege to wear the jersey that a lot of people would die to wear,” he said.
A Challenge For the Wallabies
Tosi’s impact is expected to be significant, adding another layer of complexity to an already formidable All Blacks team. Before the Wallabies have to contend with replacement Tosi, though, they must try to contain an All Blacks outfit hungry to atone for back-to-back Rugby Championship losses to the Springboks in South Africa. “We’re trying to just release the shackles and just play and when you see great All Black teams play, they look like it’s just there in the flow state,” Savea said. “So we’re just trying to navigate that space, but there’s been a lot of energy, and ‘Pos’ has been part of that in the gym, off the field, on the field. Plenty of energy and a lot of excitement.”
The All Blacks' New Weapon
The All Blacks are determined to bounce back from their recent setbacks, and Tosi’s inclusion adds a formidable new dimension to their attack. He is the powerful prop who can disrupt the Wallabies’ game plan and put them on the back foot. His size, strength, and experience, coupled with the All Blacks' hunger to win, makes him a potent force to be reckoned with. The Wallabies will need to be at their best to contain Tosi and the rest of the All Blacks, and it is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter. This is the kind of match that will test the Wallabies' mettle and determine if they can truly contend for the Bledisloe Cup. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, with the All Blacks' new weapon ready to unleash his destructive force on the Wallabies.
The 'Pos' Factor
Tosi's presence is not just about the physical impact, but the mental one too. His journey from the back row to the front row, his unwavering dedication, and his ability to rise to the challenge have inspired his teammates. He brings a unique energy to the squad that is palpable. “When we do tackling drills, he lifts me up,” Savea said. “He’s got the heart and size of a bus, and obviously if you know the journey that he’s come from, it’s a testament to his heart and his family and his dedication.” The 'Pos' factor is not just about the weight he brings to the game, it's about the heart he brings to the team.
