He doesn't deny that an All Black starting spot was in his mind. "It's definitely an opportunity isn't it? Every No7 in the country is pushing hard for that spot so it's probably the first time in about 10 years that it's guaranteed that Richie isn't going to be there so it's an opportunity for sure."
Cane is part of a Chiefs team not quite firing this season, yet it remains clearly the best New Zealand conference side and is only one competition point away from the top of the table.
Defence has been an issue - it was even before they leaked five tries to the Rebels in their win in Melbourne last weekend - and as a loose forward Cane is an important part of the mix.
"It's been something we've been trying to work on," Cane said. "If you look at the stats we've been slowly getting better in some areas but in other areas we're just slipping off.
"I don't think we're far off but it's definitely frustrating to score some good tries but then leak tries like we have in our last two games.
"Last year the title was won off the back of our defence and we know that's going to have to happen again."
The Force, the Chiefs' opposition tonight at Pukekohe's EcoLight Stadium, have the potential to cause an upset after their 11-11 draw against the Reds in Perth last weekend.