Joseph finished as Wellington coach on Saturday night at Carisbrook as he watched his side beat Otago 35-22.
He would journey to Dunedin in the next couple of days as he begins his job of trying to steer the Highlanders back into the winning column.
Joseph admitted he had his eyes mostly on the Wellington side on Saturday but still saw signs of promise from the home team.
"Otago was really encouraging at times, especially up front.
"The last three or four scrums really put us under pressure, so the guts of the pack is there.
"Then when they got an opportunity to attack they did pretty good. Obviously, I will take a closer look from now on," Joseph said.
But with Otago languishing bottom of the ITM Cup, and the Highlanders failing to make an impact in the past years, the Highlanders may get a spring clean when Joseph picks his team.
Joseph said picking the side will come down to form and availability.
"The player personnel will be impacted by form and availability, and in recent years it has been difficult for the Highlanders, with the four other franchises in New Zealand.
"I'm looking for players who are playing well, and getting the balance right will be crucial.
"It won't be easy to do, but the type of players that are successful in Otago are those who come here for the right reasons. and are willing to dig it in when the going gets tough."
He said it could not be turned around overnight and the Highlanders could not instantly become the Crusaders.
One player he will be without is star fullback Israel Dagg, who announced last Friday he was leaving for the Crusaders.
Joseph admitted Dagg was a good player, one he would have loved to have.
The New Zealand Maori coach said though he had lived in Dunedin, that was a long time ago, and he had to get back to the city to talk to coaches, and get to know the Otago and Southland players a little better.
He felt the first step forward was for the public to see the Highlanders and Otago rugby in a positive light.
"Do they [public] still care? I don't know. I haven't lived here. But I think that will be the first step in the right direction.
"We need the Highlanders and Otago rugby in a positive light ...
"I recognise it has been difficult in recent years but I don't have all the answers. But I know what I'm good at.
"I'll have total commitment to [the] Highlanders cause.
"As for an outcome perspective, it is quite simple but from now until the first game next year, there is a lot of work to do done.
"That is part of coming down here and seeing how things are done. It is a big job, but I'm excited about it."
