MARSEILLE, 2 September - When New Zealand lost 22-10 to Australia in the semi-final of the 2003 IRB Rugby World Cup it was captain Reuben Thorne who took much of the blame for the All Blacks returning home empty handed yet again.

The 40-13 win over France in the RWC 2003 bronze final was his last Test match for three years, until he made a return to the international arena to start in the All Blacks' 35-17 Tri-Nations win over South Africa in Wellington last year.

In the aftermath of the 2003 world cup, Thorne admitted there were times when he did not believe he would make it to RWC 2007 in France.

"I didn't think I'd be back, it was pretty tough," he said. "But it's how things worked out. I kept enjoying my rugby, kept working hard and playing my best, and here I am."

Thorne said he is a different player from the 2003 version and the changes in his game have allowed him to play his way back into the squad.

"I think every player changes. Your experiences change. Your maturity and experience helps you handle situations better."

The Canterbury Crusaders blindside flanker, who returned to the New Zealand captaincy for one match against Canada earlier this year, knows the All Blacks are still under immense pressure at home to end their 20-year world cup drought.

"There is still huge expectation back in New Zealand and among ourselves. We realise that it is a long time, but this is an experienced group and we are all the better for it."

This time around the 32-year-old will have a lower profile as he finds himself behind Test incumbent Jerry Collins and powerhouse Sione Lauaki (119kg) for the blindside flanker spot.