They may need to crane their necks, though.
The Highlanders assembled for the first time ahead of the 2026 campaign yesterday and had the always enjoyable task of having their fitness assessed in the gruelling yo-yo test at the Logan Park turf.
Among the players missing with leave was giant lock Fabian Holland, now on holiday after a busy year with the Highlanders and the All Blacks.
Joseph said the first Dutch-born All Black had been "unbelievable" in his first year in international rugby and revealed he had used Holland’s journey to illustrate to his players how the Highlanders could be a springboard to greater things.
"I’ve known Fabian for a couple of years and he’s a young guy who had something set in his mind.
"I used him as an example today. Somebody just had the driving ambition to be an All Black. Now he’s not only just an All Black, he’s one of the best locks in the world.
"I don’t know their [the players’] minds, but I certainly wanted to use that as the example. A man who is self-motivated, self-driven, self-organised . . . and look at what can be achieved if you’ve got the drive."
The big Southlander had worked hard to overcome some injury niggles and, like all front-rowers, needed some time to keep developing.
While most of the players yesterday ran until they nearly dropped, a collection of relatively experienced Highlanders watched on from the rehabilitation squad.
Joseph said star midfielder Timoci Tavatavanawai was progressing well after breaking his arm in the NPC, while No 8 Hugh Renton needed some time after a rough run that included a torn groin, split pelvis and hernia.
The players being tested ranged from a couple of youngsters, 18-year-old King’s High School prop Henry Hunter and Southland tyro Mika Muliaina, to 36-year-old newcomer Angus Ta’avao.
"That gives you a bit of perspective and context — the nerves that surround with the young boys and then the experience and the age difference."
There was no "magic" recipe or specific theme to the new campaign.
"It’s basically just wanting to shape the guys’ minds around what’s coming.
"We talked briefly around how we’ve got a certain way down in the South, which has always been consistent since I’ve been in Dunedin.
"For me, right beside ambition, when guys come down here for a crack, an opportunity, they’ve got to have a plan.
"It doesn’t just live as a dream. It can be realised. The only way rugby players can realise their dreams is if they work hard and have a plan.
"Somebody like Fabian Holland is a testament to that."
Joseph enjoyed dipping his feet back into international rugby with the All Blacks XV’s tour.
Dealing with different rugby players was always invigorating for a coach, and he enjoyed coaching with men he had previously coached, such as Jamie Mackintosh and Cory Jane.
It was a second trip to Europe for Joseph, who watched Black Ferns daughter Maia at the World Cup, and he said he might not feel fully energised until after the Christmas break as the Highlanders seek to rebound from their wooden spoon.
"This is a special team to me. I want to try and get it right."
