Now that the Rugby World Cup seems a distant memory, I am watching with interest the road to replace Steve Hansen.

There were a lot of names bandied about before the rubber hit the road, but now that we're down to the business end of finalising and firming up a replacement, big names are making it clear they're either in or out.

Jamie Joseph announced last night he's out.

I'm pleased for him actually that he's chosen to finish what he started in building Japan up to be a formidable rugby team.

Yes, choosing Japan over the AB's puts him out of contention for the role many would argue is the creme de la creme of coaching roles but I get that Joseph is loving the challenge of where he is.

Just look at what he did with Japan this year.

The Ireland and Scotland games, lifting their world ranking, getting Japan to Top 8.

The performance of the Japanese team "captured hearts and raised the profile of rugby in a baseball mad country", according to one commentator.

Jamie Joseph says there are more issues to be tackled and he believes he can get Japan to rise to the challenge, and who could argue with that?

He has the bit between his teeth and wants to see this through.

When you're on a roll, why would you step away?  

So with him staying with the Brave Blossoms until the end of 2023, what do we have left in terms of big names to take up the AB's coaching mantle?  

The main contenders appear to be whittling down to a potential three horse race between Ian Foster, Scott Robertson and Dave Rennie.

Rennie however is also tipped to be out, as the word is he may be taking over the vacant Wallabies job, so in fact we may even be down to just two serious contenders now.

Roberston has been called too young by some, including former All Black Coach Laurie Mains who said he doesn't doubt he'll coach the AB's one day, but at 45 years old, it may be a bit early at this stage. Mains also questioned whether Robertson has had to work in adversity enough.

Although New Zealand Rugby has said it's invited 26 coaches to apply for the role, some ruled themselves out, as well as Joseph, Gatland, Schmidt, John Mitchell and Tony Brown have all said they won't throw their hats in the ring to be part of the coaching line up.

So the field is getting smaller as the deadline marches ever closer.

New Zealand Rugby has said there'll be a decision before Christmas.

Should we panic yet?

I don't think so.

We still have 5 weeks to go until Christmas.