There are hallmarks of Joseph's 2015 Super Rugby champions in his newly assembled crop of a decade later.
Jamie Ritchie appears to have been dealt a blow in his bid to retain the Scotland captaincy for the upcoming Guinness Six Nations after he was only named on the bench for Edinburgh’s Challenge Cup match away to Scarlets on Friday.
Jamie Ritchie feels Scotland can take “loads of confidence” from their strong fightback against France this calendar year ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Auckland have fought their way to an NPC quarter-final against North Harbour but have paid a heavy price and will be without a slew of key players on Friday evening.
With David Havili and Quinn Tupaea both leaving the field in last week's Bledisloe Cup clash, much of the discussion in the follow-up has centred around who the All Blacks will field in the No 12 jersey in this weekend's rematch.
Currently sitting undefeated at the top of the Odds conference, Waikato will face a litmus test at home this weekend when they take on an inconsistent Auckland side at FMG Stadium Waikato on Friday.
Having already turned out for the Blues and All Blacks this year, former Warriors star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will make his long-awaited debut for Auckland when they take on Bay of Plenty on Sunday.
Anthony Watson is a world-class winger, but should Warren Gatland deploy his unique skills at full-back?
Injured All Black Dalton Papalii is to make his return to the field this week after five weeks on the sidelines.
Auckland have named five All Blacks in their Mitre 10 squad as they mount the defence of the title they won in 2018.