Thomson, the player of the year in the Highlanders season, and Otago's sole representative in the All Blacks, was yesterday named at openside flanker for the All Blacks to play France at Carisbrook on Saturday night.
It will be his 10th test, and second on his home ground, and he will form a green loose forward combination with Kieran Read and Liam Messam, with a total of 13 test caps between them.
All Black assistant coach Steve Hansen said at the end of last year's tour they were struggling to find a place for Thomson.
But his form this year was so good he could not be ignored.
"There were some things we wanted him to work on as a character and he has done that," Hansen said.
Hansen said he would not elaborate on what needed to change in Thomson's character. But he said Thomson had showed he really wanted to be an All Black.
"There is a certain type of person we want in our team. We have always preached better people make better All Blacks. And he has became a very selfless person, wanting to put the team first."
Hansen said Thomson had loved the position switch and was really excited about it.
"He is in really good form and when you are like that, you come with a lot of self-confidence."
All Black coach Graham Henry said they were always going to pick Thomson after an outstanding Super 14 and were always going to play him at openside.
"He left the tour last year with the feeling 'would I get back in this team?' But his stats and his ability in Super 14 was pretty special, I think," Henry said.
Henry said Thomson turned over more ball in the Super 14 than any other New Zealand loose forward, and there was a bit of a traffic jam at blindside flanker.
He had starred for the Highlanders this year on the blindside flank.
Henry said Thomson was an "interesting rugby player" as he was also a useful line-out forward and he could run all day.
Thomson had been asked this year get a lot stronger over the ball and show a lot more physicality at the breakdown.
Henry said Thomson would have the chance to play even when skipper McCaw came back from injury.
Henry said the side definitely had a different feel to it, with the loss of many experienced players to injury.
"There is a major difference and you would expect a major difference but the big thing is if these guys can play well with this combination, then we are going to be a much better side going forward, as a lot of guys experience that leadership."
He admitted there was a nervousness which had to be expected.
"These guys have to stand up and take the reins."
Henry said new captain Mils Muliaina was a natural leader, and thought a lot about the role.
"But captains do not captain teams by themselves... We just have to make sure the navigators do their jobs."
He pointed to players such as Stephen Donald, Liam Messam and Jimmy Cowan as having to do their share of leadership.
Hansen said the French were ready to play and were better prepared than normal.
"They sense we have got a few injuries and they can have a go... Our challenge is to prove we are a worthy All Black side. That is why it is called a test."
Tony Woodcock will play his 50th test for the All Blacks on Saturday night, and Hansen said Woodcock appeared to be getting better after an ear infection blighted his Super 14 campaign with the Blues.
Despite the relative new look to the side, it still carried more than 300 caps, with an experienced front row.
France is due to name its side today, and will fly to Dunedin from its Auckland base tomorrow.
Fewer than 500 tickets remain for the match.
• The team v France, on Saturday
All Blacks: Mils Muliaina (captain), Joe Rokocoko, Isaia Toeava, Ma'a Nonu, Rudi Wulf, Stephen Donald, Jimmy Cowan, Liam Messam, Adam Thomson, Kieran Read, Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: Keven Mealamu, John Afoa, Bryn Evans, Tanerau Latimer, Piri Weepu, Luke McAlister, Cory Jane.
