Rugby: Thomson leads Highlanders charge

: Adam Thomson has been in splendid form for the Highlanders. Photo / Otago Daily Times

The members of Crowded House once joked about calling their second album The Mediocre Follow-Up Album.

Every new act faces the same predicament: How to keep up the high standards after an impressive debut?

In the Deep South, Adam Thomson does not appear to be having any of those problems a year after going from Highlanders reserve to starting All Black. Thomson, 27, has been a stand-out player for a rapidly improving Highlanders outfit.

His performance against the Springbok-laden Bulls in Palmerston North 12 days ago was top class, and if the All Blacks were picked now his name would be hard to leave out.

Thomson, who has started every Highlanders game this season on the blindside flank and does so again against the Reds on Saturday, has added some steel to his play this year.

"Coming back from the All Blacks tour last year I had a few things to work on and they are progressing. It's just about being more physical, having more of a presence at the breakdown and in the tackle. Just to be a bit more aggressive in the tackle."

Thomson said getting more aggressive and physical during the match was done through hard work on the training paddock.
"I think it is more of a technique thing. Like getting in the right place for the tackle, getting in the right position. Contesting at the breakdown is a technique thing as well."

Thomson took a break after a busy 2008.

"I rested my body and came back ready for the Super 14.

"There is a real desire there. I'm not hiding the fact I want to be an All Black again. And to do that, I need to perform for this team."

He feels he has got more to prove in the All Black jersey.

"Last year, I was happy with getting the taste and what you had to be to be an international player. This year, I know what you have to be to be an international player and I want to get another crack at it."

Thomson said he did enjoy playing openside flank, but the mix of the loose forwards meant it did not matter as much as it used to what number was on your back.

"With the openside flank you can be a bit more direct and know you're just going to hit that first ruck. But with No 6 you've got to concentrate on your lines a bit more," he said. "I really enjoyed a few games last year I had in No 7. But it really depends on the mix of the loose forwards."

Highlanders coach Glenn Moore said Thomson's desire to be an All Black shone through.

"He is showing every week why he was an All Black last year. He has grown a lot in the last year and is on top of his game."

Thomson said the Highlanders side had grown in recent weeks and were on a good run of three wins in their past four games.

"We've always been competitive and I think letting those first two games slip would not happen now. I think we know how to close games down now."

Thomson is facing an assault charge against his partner Joanne Holley, and the case is set down for a depositions hearing in Hastings District Court in June.

Thomson said he could not comment on the case, saying he was just concentrating on playing the game on the field, and it was not affecting his play.

- Otago Daily Times