But he got a pleasant surprise when he was named in the All Black starting side to take on the Wallabies at Forsyth Barr Stadium tomorrow night.
He admitted yesterday the selection came somewhat out of left field.
''I am very surprised. I had played a handful of games - one and a-half to be exact - and then I got told I was coming down here,'' he said.
''I did not know what I was coming here for. If I was coming down here just to be in environment to learn, or coming down here to play, or coming down for a while and then going back to Wellington. I did not know what to expect.
''Then, when I got picked to play, my mind focused straight away on learning the moves and getting comfortable again in the environment.''
Jane (30) looked as though he would have to write this year off, after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in February in a training incident.
But the 43-test veteran was determined to get back into rugby by the end of the season.
''I went hard as possible in my rehab and trained the best I could. The knee itself is fine. I've just got to get my legs up to scratch. I've got the worst legs in world rugby.
''I have worked hard and hopefully I can go out there. I back myself to go out there. I have gone from one and a-half games for Wellington to a test under a roof, so I know it is going to be fast.''
He joked he had crept into team-mate Ben Smith's room on Wednesday night and ''spooned him'' to try to pick up some of the great form Smith has been in this season.
Jane has admired the work of Smith.
''You always want a guy who has played with the All Blacks to play well when he has come into the team. You never wish they will play bad.
''It is also good he is moving into centre, so I get an opportunity. He has got the skill set to play anywhere in the whole backline. But competition is good. I'm not the sort of guy who, if he is not in the team, gets grumpy. Competition is good for everyone.''
Jane said this week's selection was similar to when he first made the All Blacks in 2008.
''I have been out of the game for a long time. It sort of feels like I have been picked in the team for the first time, though I have got a lot more experience.
''When you first come into the team it is daunting, because when you grow up you are loving the All Blacks. So when you first get here and see all these world-class players, it is hard to get out of your shell.''
Jane is not getting ahead of himself in his aims for tomorrow night, just concentrating on his one job.
''Because I have played in the team a few years now, you just have to go out and do your job. It is not about going out there and looking out for the guys around you and doing their job.
"That is not how the All Blacks work.''