The numbers are straightforward. The best five crews in France advance; the second, and last, opportunity comes at next year's World Cup in Lucerne, where a further two spots are available.
It's a tough gig and there's no underestimating the task. Now consider the eight hadn't rowed together until about a month ago.
Four have come from last year's quartet who won world championship gold in a non-Olympic event; Emma Dyke is up from the under-23 ranks for the first time, while Ruby Dew is straight from national under-21 level.
Rebecca Scown is among New Zealand's most successful rowers in recent times, an Olympic bronze medallist with Juliette Haigh in the pair at London in 2012 and a multiple world championship medallist.
She missed out on retaining her pair seat this year after winning bronze in the Netherlands last year.
Scown is no stranger to eights racing, having been in the New Zealand crew in the mid-2000s.
"We're tracking nicely but we've yet to race internationally and that will be exciting when we get that opportunity," she said.
Lump any large group of athletes in any sport together and the dynamics can be intriguing. Making it gel is key. If that's not happening, forget it.
"We've got nine girls in the boat [including cox Francie Turner] so nine different personalities and it takes quite a lot of work to make sure all the girls are on the same page. Compared to a small boat, which I've been in in recent years, it's quite a different challenge, but quite a fun one.
"Everyone is completely different but that's what really makes it. Everyone brings their own special qualities and we do get along well. It's quite a fun bunch, but everyone sees things a little differently."
Scown admits she's enjoying the eight more than she thought - "all in all it's something that's made rowing every day a bit more exciting for me".
To Thompson falls the task of getting this eight across the only line that matters, in France in September.
He's also overseeing the women's pair of Grace Prendergast and Kerri Gowler, who are in his eight but have the two-seater as their priority, and the men's lightweight four, both of whom are regarded as strong medal prospects at the worlds.
Thompson is a big believer in having the right culture.
He's liking what he's seeing, the speed seems good but it won't be until the World Cups that he will get a true indication of progress.
This is an event where heavyweight nations stand tall - the United States, Canada, China, Romania and the Netherlands are always there or thereabouts. "There are plenty more crews than there are spots. But it's the same in any team; the one who prepares best and can deliver on the day get it," Thompson said.
He's not out to kid anyone; there's a serious hurdle for this largely experienced eight to clear.
