Here's the lie of the land as of today. With Joseph confirming he will remain coaching the Japanese national side, there are two clear front-runners: Ian Foster and Scott Robertson.
Foster has been outgoing coach Steve Hansen's number two for seven years. With his involvement, the side played 119 tests, winning 105, drawing four and losing 10. That's an 88 per cent winning record. But does the side need fresh eyes?
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Cue Robertson, the Crusaders coach with the perfect three-from-three Super Rugby record and a reputation for engaging players of all ages and staff and supporters alike.
Dave Rennie, who has amassed an impressive record with the Chiefs and Glasgow Warriors, is looking increasingly likely to put his lot in with Australia.
That leaves Vern Cotter and John Plumtree as our dark horses.
Cotter, the former Bay of Plenty and Crusaders assistant, has enjoyed success in Europe where he led Clermont to their maiden title and Scotland to the verge of the World Cup semifinals.
Finally we have Plumtree, the current Hurricanes head coach, who has a varied resume with international experience with the Sharks in Super Rugby as well as assistant roles with Ireland and Japan.