Ranger, who was welcomed back into the All Blacks fold this year after an excellent season with the Blues, played two starring cameo roles in June against France before starting the final test in New Plymouth.
His ability to cover wing and centre was crucial in Cory Jane's absence through injury and the fact that the All Blacks looked extremely thin in the midfield.
Ranger, 26, said he appreciated the irony of working so hard to get back into the All Blacks after first cracking the squad in 2010, a year in which he played three tests, before this year's recall.
"I've been trying hard to get that jersey and I cracked it in that June test [start]. But with the circumstances with my partner and baby, they've pulled me back to look after the family."
The time away from home was the hardest aspect of being a rugby player at the top level, he said.
"For some fellas, they can cope with it but I've got a new-born. I've been away quite a bit. I live in Whangarei [and] I've been in Auckland with the Blues and away for the June tests and with the championship coming you're away again, plus the camps, so before I headed away I wanted to stay at home and look after them [family]."
Ranger, who said he could be available for the All Blacks in an emergency, was looking forward to a full season as Northland Taniwha skipper.
"I'm excited getting the old 'C' under my name. I guess I've just got to perform on the field and let my performance to the leading."
And he promised his performances would be in his usual up-tempo style.
"That's what Northland's all about, eh. Express yourself in the backs and hopefully have a bit of mongrel up front."
Northland's first match is a Ranfurly Shield challenge against Waikato in Hamilton on Saturday, August 17.APNZ
