Thomson could scarcely believe he was an All Black three weeks ago but he was left in no doubt on Saturday night after starting his first test.
"I'm a bit battered and the lungs are hurting," the Otago flanker said after the 44-12 win against England.
"I always knew it was going to be an emotional week and a tough and demanding game.
It certainly turned out that way."
Thomson intends to catch up with family in Ashburton over the next couple of days before returning to Dunedin.
The All Blacks technically have the week off but he said he was keen to play for his University club to stay in tune before the opening Tri-Nations test in Wellington on July 5.
Saturday was yet another high point in a career that has exploded in the last eight months.
Thomson not only started but had to assume a more intensive role at the breakdown when captain Richie McCaw left the field with a foot injury.
"We just called ourselves in and had a wee meeting, Rodney [So'oialo] took over and talked about how it was a big blow to lose the captain.
He told us we all had to add a little bit to our game to cover that loss.
"I changed a little bit.
I had to concentrate on the breakdown a little bit, because Richie's really good at that."
Thomson had few opportunities with the ball but was a tiger on defence, forcing several turnovers, and he impressed with his positioning work.
He noticed what most newish All Blacks do, that test rugby is more physical than the Super 14.
He felt the English forwards had consistently infringed at the breakdown, leaving their feet and killing the ball, but got away with it because they went down in numbers.
Thomson has never started at openside flanker for either Otago or the Highlanders but could well get that role if McCaw does not recover in two weeks.
He's not worried because the All Blacks have been trying left and right flankers instead of the classic blindside and openside.
"I've really enjoyed it.
I got a bit of a taste at the hybrid No 6 and No 7.
If I'm called upon to do it again, I'll be fine."
Only one moment ruined Thomson's first test start - in the 80th minute he and everybody at the ground were convinced he had scored his first try but he was denied when play was called back for a dubious penalty.
"I was definitely robbed, I think.
I had a look at the big screen and it looked all right to me."
All Black coach Graham Henry gave Thomson a pat on the back for his efforts.
"I thought he had a huge workrate.
He did a lot of good things and he can be pretty pleased."
