While Hart believes both Joseph and Dave Rennie are strong options to replace the sacked Scott Robertson, he is eager to see the Highlanders coach given a chance.
‘‘I think New Zealand’s got two great candidates, actually,’’ Hart told the Otago Daily Times.
‘‘I honestly do think they’re both very good candidates.
‘‘From a succession point of view, I would like to see Jamie get it.
‘‘He’s been in New Zealand, he coached the New Zealand XV, and he’s done everything that I think he needed to do.
‘‘And that’s not against Dave Rennie. I think he’s a fantastic coach.’’
‘‘I have huge respect for Dave. But I just think in terms of succession, Jamie deserves it, and I’m sure he can put a great team together.’’
The high point of Hart’s tenure - 1996 to 1999 - was guiding the All Blacks to a first series victory in South Africa in 1996.
He had been an assistant coach with the World Cup-winning team of 1987, and he and Alex ‘‘Grizz’’ Wyllie were uncomfortable co-coaches in a poor World Cup campaign in 1991.
That experience helped Hart give a quick answer when asked if New Zealand Rugby should consider offering Joseph and Rennie a chance to work together.
‘‘You can’t force them.
‘‘I was forced to go to the 1991 World Cup with Alex Wyllie as a co-coach.
‘‘I have the deepest respect for Alex but we were different coaches, and to make us co-coaches was a mistake.
‘‘I think you need to have clarity of roles, and when you force people together, you give away clarity.’’
