The Highlanders are staring down their final few days of preseason training which has tested them in different ways this year.

Instead of being flogged on bikes, rowing machines and any kind of cross training fitness, coach Jamie Joseph has taken a more rugby-heavy approach in a bid to try get a head start on their Super Rugby rivals.

"Given the fact we've only got one current All Black, we do have our team all together," Joseph said.

He said other clubs aren't expected to get their players until January.

"We're trying to find a point of difference where we can get ahead a little bit with the game, understanding and using the game of rugby, to get our guys fit versus, you know, guys living in the gym."

It's a new-look Highlanders squad for 2025, featuring a lot of youth. Joseph is known for his hardened values and no excuses approach. It's hoped it can change the southerners' fortunes in next season's competition.

"He's tough, he's stern," said Highlanders Flanker Sean Withy, "but he coaches on the spot."

"That's what I like about Jake [Joseph] – you're in the middle of training, but he's pulling us up for stuff that's not happening rather than waiting later for a review."

The Highlanders have mixed in some fun in their preseason training, which has included ju-jitsu and also some surf life saving training.

"I don't think I'll be taking it up any time soon," hooker Jack Taylor said with a laugh. "It was pretty challenging!"

The session tested their fitness in St Clair Beach's strong currents – and their relationships.

"They just looked like bloody idiots," Withy laughed. "I was like, 'What are you guys doing?' I was screaming at them!"

But a lot of their tests are coming on the field.

Highlanders utility back Sam Gilbert said it's one of the toughest preseason's he's been part of.

"There's been a few now! But we're just out here running, lots of rugby, lots of ball in hand – it's good stuff!" Gilbert said.

It's all part of Joseph's mission to get the franchise back on track. In 2015 he coached the Highlanders to their first and only Super Rugby Championship crown. Since then, results have been lacking.

So far, Joseph has been impressed with what his new squad is putting out on the field.

"I take real confidence in the fact that they just keep on getting out," Joseph said.

"With a young team, they're going to have some tough games this season and preparing them for that is important, but especially for the confidence and going to have to battle through some really tough matches.

"We look at all the numbers on the GPS and they're improving. Those are the kind of signs we look at as coaches and ensure that we're not over the cliff. We're still right there, we're looking over, but we're not falling over."