Thompson was one of the more impressive performers in the first Constellation Cup test, at the heart of New Zealand's strong third quarter effort which ultimately took the game away from Australia. Playing in the unfamiliar position of wing attack, Thompson combined well with Laura Langman, providing the platform for Irene van Dyk and Maria Tutaia to send the home side clear.
It's a marked change for Thompson, who has always been fringe rather than forefront for the Ferns. Now the Tactix captain, she is the only foundation player remaining at the franchise (77 ANZ Championship games) and a recognisable Christchurch identity; let's face it, you know you have made it in the Garden City when you have a cocktail named after you at a local bar ('Spannerlicious' - mango, berries, lemon, Red Bull and vodka).
But Thompson, who carries the nickname 'Spanner', has never been front of mind in the international arena. First selected for the Ferns squad in 2008, she made her debut a year later but has only accumulated 12 caps since then. Her ambitions were mostly thwarted by the presence of Maria Tutaia and Irene van Dyk, who have played 71 tests together and monopolised the New Zealand shooting circle for the last eight years.
Now the unexpected vacancy at wing attack, with the injury to Camilla Lees and the withdrawal of Liana Leota, has provided the chance for a second coming. Thompson is jousting with Courtney Tairi for the WA spot and on the evidence from Invercargill, has shuffled slightly ahead.
From the moment she came on court last Sunday she looked like she had a point to prove. . Mobility may have been an issue in the past but her fitness and speed have improved significantly over the last 18 months, which allowed her to handle the relentless attention of Renee Hallinan, known as one of the toughest markers in the sport. In possession she showed a willingness to throw the long pass and the eye for a gap in the circle.
"Anna's background as an attacker means she is very effective on the circle edge," says Ferns assistant coach Vicki Wilson. "She's a natural feeder and has good vision."
However Tairi is by no means out of the picture and their battle for the wing attack position will be one of the fascinating subplots of the Constellation Cup series. Tairi was solid last Sunday, especially considering she was one of just a handful of Ferns who have had to make their debuts against Australia.
With her tendency to play out very wide Tairi brings a different style to the atypical Ferns' wing attack and it is as much about her teammates adjusting to her style, as it is about Tairi finding her feet in the international game.
Meanwhile, the Magic have strengthened their 2014 roster with the signings of talented teenagers Jamie-Lee Price and Malia Paseka. The 17-year-old Price was one of the youngest players in the history of the ANZ Championship when she made her debut for the Magic last year while former Mystics player Paseka (18) was a member of the victorious New Zealand under-21 team at the recent world youth championships.
- By Michael Burgess of Herald on Sunday
