All Blacks: Jane targeting test in Chicago to prove he belongs in black

If Cory Jane is the unlucky All Black, then he doesn't feel it.

He sees it entirely differently having learned the hard way that every appearance in a black jersey is to be cherished.

It was at the end of 2010 and early 2011 when Jane went through the worst dip in his career.

He lost his attacking edge and ability to magically beat defenders. He lost the razor sharp intuition that carried him into space no one else could see.

By June 2011, he was in danger of missing the World Cup squad such was the extent of his slump.

Faced with the axe and seeing everything he had fought so hard to build crumble before his eyes, he knuckled down and fought for his place.

He was a revelation and his aerial brilliance was the foundation on which the All Blacks built their triumph.

This is worth remembering because it is integral to the current situation.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen believes Jane has done nothing wrong and plenty right.

"Cory has been unfortunate I think that in Israel Dagg starting at fullback then Ben Smith has got to start on the wing and Julian Savea has got to start," said Hansen.

"Cory's last test match if my memory serves me right was against Australia and I thought he had one of the best test matches that he's played. So he deserves to get the start."

Jane could easily have felt bitter about the way fate has treated him, but he knows that no one has any right to expect to be picked.

"He knows that sulking will get him nowhere and that if you are handed a jersey, best to slip it on and then play as well as you can," said Hansen.

"An outside back in this team may never get another chance as not only has he men in front of him, he has the supremely gifted Charles Piutau putting pressure on from behind."

"If you look at the way Ben [Smith] and Julian [Savea] are playing, if you get an opportunity you have to take it," says Jane.

"It has always been the same. In 2010 and 2011, I guess I started taking things for granted so I have learned to always appreciate the opportunities I get. Last year, it was tough being injured.

"Hopefully I will get a little bit of ball and enjoy myself. That's what it is all about. I have told Israel Dagg he has to pass the ball to me."

With Smith already confirmed as a non-starter for the Chicago game, Jane could go a long way to securing himself another run if he can play as well as he did at Eden Park.