"Whether it's lineout, kick-off, high-ball catching, the game of rugby is about aerial skills as much as it is tackling and scrummaging and every other skill that's in the game."
Only a few months ago, Luatua was deemed unfit and not up to international standard but the 23-year-old had proven his desire.
"It showed us that he really wants to be here, doesn't it? And he learned the hard way but he's learned an invaluable lesson and hopefully he can carry that with him for the rest of his career," Hansen said.
"But he's certainly worked hard and now we expect him to play that way."
The other change in the forward pack sees Jeremy Thrush get a start on his home track in the second-row and he will lock the scrum alongside Brodie Retallick due to Sam Whitelock's rib injury that will leave the Cantabrian out for a month.
This Saturday will mark Thrush's seventh test appearance in only his third start and the 29-year-old has never played on a losing All Black team.
"He's a bit of a Steady Eddie, old Thrushy, isn't he?," Hansen said. "And Steady Eddie's either stay that way or they get comfortable in the environment they're in and actually become better players and I think that's what he's done.
"He's the complete team guy and it couldn't have happened to a better bloke. He's worked really, really hard at his game and whether he's in the 15, 23 or outside the group, he's always working to help the team get better and you can't help but admire people like that."
Chiefs pivot Aaron Cruden has recovered from the pectoral injury that kept him on ice for the victory over Argentina last week and he will pull on the No 10 jumper on Saturday with Beauden Barrett reverting to a bench that also includes lock Patrick Tuipulotu and veteran outside back Cory Jane.
Ben Smith, who will start on the right wing, will cover the midfield should anything happen to champion pairing Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith.
"It just gives us a little bit more versatility in that back three, we can shuffle things around if need be," Hansen said.
South Africa have named youngster Handre Pollard to start at first-five in place of Morne Steyn in the only change to the side who lost 24-23 to Australia in Perth last Saturday.
Pollard has only three test caps to his name but Hansen didn't think the rookie would be overawed.
"I remember when Dan Carter didn't have any test caps and I was coaching Wales ... He smashed us," Hansen said.
"I guess it is relevant when it comes to experience but if you've got the ability to play the game then that sort eases that away."
