They say the only thing constant in life is change, and changes over the past six months have certainly proved detrimental for the Otago loose forward.
Thomson has been dropped from the All Black Tri-Nations squad, replaced by New Zealand Maori captain Liam Messam.
It is a rapid fall for Thomson, who by the end of last year was a key man for the All Blacks, winning the ball at the breakdown and never being far from the action.
But things which have been completely out of his control have made some of his key skills almost redundant.
First and foremost was a change of laws which saw breakdown turnovers became as rare as a North Korean goal in South Africa.
Thomson's game last year was built around nabbing the ball, getting in and disrupting the other team's flow.
He had the body and skill for that.
But now the contest for possession seems to have all but disappeared from rugby.
Thomson's chief attribute has been taken away - sort of like Robin Hood without his bow.
Loose forwards now have to be big men with great running games, hence the inclusion of Messam, and the earlier selection of Victor Vito.
That is not seen as Thomson's game, although he is not exactly a shrinking violet.
He tried to run with the ball more in the later parts of the Super 14, but too often the ball would be dropped or he would never get the ball in a great position.
All Black assistant coach Steve Hansen said earlier this month Thomson had to be more of a linking player and needed to turn the ball over in the third or fourth phase.
But playing a struggling team like the Highlanders, many opponents did not need to get to the third or fourth phase.
By that time they were well down the field, or under the posts.
As for being more of a link, that is perhaps not Thomson's greatest strength, but the same could be said for Jerome Kaino, who seems to be a favourite of the selection panel.
Is the selection panel saying to Thomson it wants him to be a link and also a good runner?Thomson had less than 10 minutes against Wales at Carisbrook and then about half an hour in Hamilton on Saturday night to make an impression, and obviously did not startle the three wise men.
But it is hardly a substantial amount of time to present your credentials.
Maybe the writing was on the wall as soon as the laws changed.
Thomson was given his chance - albeit a small one - and in the eyes of the selectors did not come up with the goods.
Messam, though, is hardly streets ahead.
He played well for the Maori against a couple of international B teams, but marking some English clydesdale is slightly different than facing a Springbok thoroughbred.
But it could be a blessing in disguise for Otago, which now looks set to have a fit Thomson available in the most critical of seasons.
Lock Tom Donnelly looked as though he would be in Otago colours at the start of the domestic competition, but now it may be Thomson in the blue and gold instead of the rangy lock.
Thomson's axing is not the only surprise in the squad.
Zac Guildford looks way better than Joe Rokocoko, while you have to wonder what more Hosea Gear can do.
The up-and-down career of Neemia Tialata continues, as it does for Corey Flynn.
Any bets on which arm the South Africans will target?But these 28 are the ones trusted to bring home the Tri-Nations.
Question: Is Hamilton the worst ground in the country for ball handling?
The Chiefs could not catch a cold all season and the All Blacks caught the same disease on Saturday night.
