Highlanders winger Tangitau has been shut down for the season after suffering a major non-contact Achilles injury in the dying stages of the game against the Chiefs last weekend.
The excitement machine was having another cracking campaign.
Through 11 games, he had seven tries (fourth equal in Super Rugby), 18 clean breaks (second), 43 defenders beaten (fourth) and 640m gained (seventh).
It followed a dazzling start to his Highlanders career in a 2026 season that was also halted by injury.
The All Blacks have churned through wingers in recent times and it seems unthinkable that new coach Dave Rennie would not have been preparing to give Tangitau an international debut.
Joseph helped develop boom lock Fabian Holland, also presently sidelined, into an All Black last year and would have been delighted to promote Tangitau.
‘‘It’s fair to assume that Caleb most probably would have become an All Black this year, given the amount of positive rugby he played and the tries he scored and what he created for us as a team.’’
Tangitau had a couple of days with family in Auckland after suffering the injury in Hamilton before returning to the Highlanders.
‘‘Everyone feels for Caleb,’’ Joseph said.
‘‘The players have got around him. He’s itching to get back, and he’s really proactive around seeking advice.’’
