If he stays fit, mark down the 1.89m, 104kg Cane to be in that trimmed group who will prepare for the three June tests against Ireland.
It will be an opportune time for him to learn from the master, to soak up the environment and if he gets on the track somewhere, a chance to debut at a younger age than McCaw.
Cane has beaten out his BoP and Chiefs teammate Tanerau Latimer and Matt Todd for a place in the squad and the selectors think they have nailed a nugget.
"I think he could be something special," Hansen said.
"He is big, robust, great over the ball and plays an intelligent game.
"He is a fetcher, he can get over the ball, he can carry and he defends well."
The panel liked Cane's range of qualities but acknowledged he still had much to learn about the national game.
Meanwhile, McCaw was fully fit after his foot surgery.
He had taken his time about his recovery and was ready once more.
"But we do need an understudy," Hansen said.
He noted how promising young Australian flankers Liam Gill and Michael Hooper looked as backup to the Wallabies' chief opensider David Pocock.
The new All Black coach had enjoyed the selection debates with Ian Foster and Grant Fox before they settled on their opening squad.
They had set out criteria they wanted from players in each position and had a variety of robust discussions.
"We were happy to voice our opinions and disagree if we we needed to. It was all very stimulating."
