In 1992, Joseph was quickly promoted to the All Black trials and gained a place in the centenary series. On 22 April 1992, Joseph made his All Blacks international debut against a World XV side off the bench. Later that year, he started his first test, playing at 6 against Ireland. He remained as a regular starter for the All Blacks and was part of the 1995 Rugby World Cup squad that famously lost to South Africa in the final.