Lynn has been a keen observer of the development within a radically overhauled side since he returned from France to rejoin his former club as one of Clarke Dermody’s right-hand men.
He was as happy as anyone to reflect on the Highlanders’ win over Moana Pasifika in Queenstown — while acknowledging you don’t get points in the preseason.
"It’s nice. It’s a good start," Lynn said yesterday.
"We did focus as much on the result, even though it was the first preseason game.
"We really wanted that. We really want to start building confidence in what we’re doing, and learning to win tight games is good.
"We had to come from 21-0 down, so it wasn’t easy sailing."
Everyone is wary of reading too much into what happens on the field in preseason games.
But you also need to highlight the positives, and Lynn felt there were a few on display during a Queenstown game that built on work done over the summer and a week spent in Central Otago.
"I’m loving the intent of the players. They’re keen and willing and fit.
"They’d had a big week but that’s a really big part of who we are. We’re all about the community inspiration and getting around the people of the South, and the guys were outstanding with that.
"On the field, there was a real willingness to get off the line around the contact area, and that’s a big part of the team we want to become.
"And they had a lot of, I guess, calmness and belief in what they were doing, even when they were 21-0 down, so that was good to see.
"To really make the most of what we’re doing, you’ve got to believe in it, and that comes with more time on the field around each other.
"What that looks like is giving that extra pass when it’s on, not trying to force things, not rushing things, staying in control.
"I saw some really good footwork from our forwards to create momentum, and I saw work off the ball from our backs, but then it was about how, when we get in good positions, can we execute, and that’s going to take a bit more time."
Lynn highlighted the good work done by stand-in captain Sean Withy and new first five Rhys Patchell to keep their team-mates calm in a 21-0 hole.
The former Lyon coach handles the attack portfolio at the Highlanders but naturally has a broader interest in how a new-look midfield will shape, given that is where he flourished in his playing days.
It is a period of change for the Highlanders. Tanielu Tele’a has arrived from the Blues, Matt Whaanga is getting a chance at the top level, Jake Te Hiwi is coming through the ranks and Sam Gilbert is set to make a permanent switch from midfield.
"Sam has been training well there, and with the style of play we want to have, we want a triple-threat kind of ball-playing 12.
"Matt Whaanga did really well for us. We’re trying to figure out what other players are capable of doing at the same time.
"Tanielu Tele’a has been impressive so far, and offers something a little bit different. He’s a power player, but also has really good organisation on defence."
The coaching staff were "pretty settled" on their strongest starting XV for the Super Rugby season but were fostering intense competition for places on the bench.
Lynn reported no new injuries after the Queenstown game.
The next challenge is the Hurricanes at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday.
Usually, the Highlanders take games at this stage of the campaign to the regions — an internal trial in 2015, the year they won the title, is the only time they have seen preseason action under the roof — but circumstances have conspired to make the stadium the only option.
The game has an earlier kick-off — 1pm — so the Hurricanes can fly down and back on the day.
