Thompson times his return to perfection

Rob Thompson couldn’t have timed his run back from injury any better.

The midfielder has recovered from a grade two MCL strain and will run out in the Canterbury No 12 jersey for the Mitre 10 Cup premiership final against Tasman in Christchurch on Saturday night.

Thompson, who picked up the knee injury against Otago last month, is one of three changes to Canterbury’s starting side.

After missing five games, his return coincides with the loss of centre Jack Goodhue, who tweaked a hamstring in the semifinal win against Counties Manukau last weekend.

Thompson’s timely return has forced coach Scott Robertson to push utility back, and All Black apprentice, Jordie Barrett out one spot to centre.

‘‘Jack’s hamstring was real tough for him,’’ Robertson said. ‘‘He was pretty emotional about missing out after playing pretty much every minute of every game and then the last 20 minutes he gave it a tweak.’’

Robertson said Thompson was always going to be in the matchday squad as his team attempts to win an eighth NPC title in nine years, but Goodhue’s injury, which isn’t serious, ensured his return was particularly timely.

Thompson wasn’t so sure he would make it back out on to the paddock again this season, after he went down in a 45-34 win against Otago on September 24.

He had never suffered a serious knee injury in the past and admitted to having all sorts of questions going through his head after he realised he was going miss playing time.

‘‘Usually, I’ve taken a whack like that and been able to walk it off,’’ the 25-year-old said.

‘‘This time, she just gave in. I