Mosgiel-born Thorn said he was "gutted" that suspension forced him to miss last year's loss to the Springboks, a match which had attracted all manner of old southern friends and relatives to Carisbrook.
He could only watch on as a green Anthony Boric and debutant Kevin O'Neill -- on as an early replacement for Ali Williams -- struggled to contain South African juggernauts Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha.
With Williams and Boric injured, Thorn this week partners test rookie Isaac Ross while another uncapped leaper is on the reserve bench in little-played Hurricanes tyro Bryn Evans.
Add to that a loose forward trio boasting just 13 tests between them and debutant flanker Tanerau Latimer in the reserves, and suddenly Thorn's 24 caps make him a father figure in the pack.
"As an older guy, I'll be communicating as best I can but you hope everybody steps up," Thorn told NZPA.
"Every guy is in an All Blacks jersey and they've obviously performed to be there. Each guy also takes it upon themselves to try and lead in their little way as well."
Thorn reckoned Crusaders teammate Ross was the least of his concerns, with the 24-year-old having made giant strides in this year's Super 14, including a quality outing against Matfield and Botha in last month's semifinal loss to the Bulls.
Not a lot of guidance would be needed on test eve.
"Only probably a reassuring word, some encouragement. Isaac is entirely capable, hopefully he encourages me as well.
"He's a very talented athlete. He can pretty much do everything, he's good in the air and ball in hand.
"He's coming along with his scrummaging and hitting rucks and stuff. He's a real work in progress and it's pretty exciting to think of his potential."
Ross, the son of 1981 All Blacks lock Jock Ross, admitted he still hadn't recovered from the shock of selection.
Selection in the All Blacks 2011 World Cup squad had always been his goal but he didn't expect a promotion this early.
Forwards coach Steve Hansen has vowed to "toughen up" the athletic newcomer, who admitted he was feeling physically battered two days out from the test.
"He (Hansen) tries to bring out the best in you. It's a work in progress but I think it's on the rise," Ross said.
"I've sort of been known for my rangier style as a lock. But you've got to do your core job -- head down and bum up and just get into it.
"A hard thing is to get to the All Blacks but the hardest thing is to stay in the All Blacks. You've got to cement your place or the rug can be swept from under your feet pretty quick."
Ross could be joined in the test 22 by another debutant after Chiefs winger Lelia Masaga was called into the New Zealand squad yesterday as cover for Rudi Wulf.
Wulf injured his shoulder at training and was expected to ruled out by medical staff today, adding to an horrendous injury count.
Meanwhile, Thorn allowed himself a smile when asked if he was feeling fortunate to no longer be a Brisbane Bronco.
Players from his former National Rugby League club have spent much of this week in quarantine amid concerns some may have contracted swine flu.
"That's going all around the world isn't it?" Thorn said.
"Who knows? It could be over this way soon."
