Joseph has again made sweeping changes to his starting XV as the Highlanders seek to make amends for their second-half collapse against the Chiefs when they host the Crusaders on Saturday night.
There are nine tweaks to the line-up, reflecting both the injury situation and the need to find a confidence boost after losing the second half 33-0 in a record defeat in Hamilton.
Young midfielder Jake Te Hiwi earns his first start of the season.
That means captain Timoci Tavatavanawai, the Highlanders’ player of the season who has started all nine games (eight at second five), moves to the wing for just the second time this year, and Taniela Filimone drops out.
Jonah Lowe, who made his first appearance of the season against the Chiefs, will replace the injured Jona Nareki on the left wing.
Lowe started just two games for the Highlanders last year, and both were at centre, but he has plenty of experience further out.
The forward pack features an all-new loose trio and an all-new front row.
Will Stodart earns a second career start for the Highlanders, and his first at No 8, after playing lock against the Fijian Drua two weeks ago, becoming the fourth No 8 used by Joseph this season.
Sean Withy is back from his two-week suspension and replaces Veveni Lasaqa at openside flanker, and TK Howden replaces Oliver Haig on the blindside.
Loose head prop Ethan de Groot is back after being a late scratch from the Hamilton game, Saula Ma’u is restored at tighthead, and Soane Vikena supplants Henry Bell at hooker.
Nathan Hastie, who was outstanding at halfback in the first half of the season before being replaced by Folau Fakatava, returns to the bench.
There will also be great excitement in a local household as 21-year-old utility back Josh Whaanga is in the reserves and has a chance to join older brother Matt as a fully fledged Highlander.
A frustrating season for co-captain and star No 8 Hugh Renton continues.
He is not on the official injury list but was ‘‘a bit sore’’ and needed this week off, Joseph said.
Fellow No 8 Nikora Broughton is out for five to seven weeks with his knee injury, so his season is effectively over, while veteran prop Daniel Lienert-Brown is out for a week or two with a sore foot.
The Crusaders have retooled their backline with Sevu Reece switching wings, Macca Springer coming in for Chay Fihaki, and Dallas McLeod replacing Levi Aumua at centre.
Otago prop George Bower, lock Jamie Hannah and flanker Xavier Saifoloi join the pack.
Highlanders v Crusaders
The teams
Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Timoci Tavatavanawai (captain), Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Jake Te Hiwi, Jonah Lowe, Cameron Millar, Folau Fakatava, Will Stodart, Sean Withy, TK Howden, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Saula Ma’u, Soane Vikena, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Jack Taylor, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Oliver Haig, Veveni Lasaqa, Nathan Hastie, Sam Gilbert, Josh Whaanga.
Crusaders: Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Dallas McLeod, David Havili (captain), Macca Springer, Taha Kemara, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Ethan Blackadder, Xavier Saifoloi, Jamie Hannah, Scott Barrett, Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, George Bower. Reserves: Ioane Moananu, Tamaiti Williams, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Tahlor Cahill, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, Rivez Reihana, Chay Fihaki.
