Operating in the guts of the scrum isn't totally foreign to Kaino, but he is best known as one of the most intimidating blindside flankers in the world - when picked there.
Aaron Smith returns to the All Blacks side for the test against Ireland.The reshuffle results in Liam Squire being asked to start at No 6 for just the second time.
"Jerome is very comfortable in the position, and we just thought it was a big ask for a young fellow," Hansen said in reference to the decision to place inexperienced specialist lock Barrett on the bench.
"There is a lot to take in, so we try to make it as simple as possible for him (Barrett). But we are very confident he will do very well when he comes on. He is a very sharp cookie. He has impressed us."
Tom Franklin, who is in Chicago with the NZ Maori side and joined the All Blacks as injury cover in June, could have been asked to switch teams but Hansen had to consider whether that would disrupt the Maori team's preparations for their game against the United States.
In the end it was Kaino's experience and reliability that convinced the selectors he would provide the right balance. The fact he trained as lock cover during the World Cup, when just three specialists were taken to Britain, last year also offered Hansen some comfort.
If Ireland's giant lock Devon Toner, who stands 2.10m, is involved in this match he is likely to be under strict instructions to do all he can to disrupt Dane Coles' lineout throws, although the New Zealanders have often survived onslaughts from tall opponents in the past by reverting to short lineouts or using explosive jumpers at the front.
Kaino stands 1.96m, while Tuipulotu is 2cm taller.
"All we are missing is a little bit of height, which is one of those things," Hansen added. "We have plenty of jumpers to pick from. We have two locks and three loosies that can jump, so we have got choices."
Hansen also said captain and No 8 Kieran Read could be asked to shift into lock if required, although that seems unlikely.
Seven changes have been made to the side that set a tier-one world record of 18 consecutive wins by beating Australia 37-10 in Auckland on October 22.
Tuipulotu had to get a starter's number because of the dearth of fit locks, and Sam Cane replaces Matt Todd at openside flanker.
Halfback Aaron Smith returns after being stood down from the previous tests against the Aussies and South Africa, a legacy of the fallout that followed an incident in a toilet in Christchurch Airport in September.
George Moala comes in at centre because Anton Lienert-Brown was starting to tire from a heavy schedule, and Waisake Naholo starts on the right wing.
Hansen said he had no qualms about selecting Smith after the recent controversy.
"Aaron Smith is the best halfback in the world, so why wouldn't you play him? He has served his penance. More than probably most, I would say."."There is a lot to take in, so we try to make it as simple as possible for him (Barrett). But we are very confident he will do very well when he comes on. He is a very sharp cookie. He has impressed us."
This is what our fans just don't get.....young players need experience around them and a proper introduction to test rugby.
That said having a cobbled together second row provides Ireland something to attack....in the scrums, mauls and lineouts. It might keep things a bit closer, at least for 60 minutes.
The weather in Chicago is beautiful today, crisp fall weather with clear skies.....Can't wait to see Barrett, Smith, and Ardie Savea in particular. Of course it was on Soldiers Field Savea was caught from behind by his E agles opposite when seemingly away....perhaps he will set the record straight in Chicago.
