Smith continued his outstanding run of form, scoring the only try in the game.
"The thing I would say about Ben Smith was - we used him up defensively in the line to close down one of the best penetrators in the game [Ma'a Nonu] ... He ran the ball back well out of defence, he covered our wingers because we haven't got a lot of experience there, and whenever he had to work he did his job," Joseph said.
"That to me says All Black."
Smith himself said he just enjoyed playing the structures the team was executing and the try was something that he had worked on in training.
"Other guys called it and then it sort of came up for me and I thought, 'I could be in here,"' Smith said.
That try was ultimately the difference between the two sides.
Joseph also had praise for All Black halfback Jimmy Cowan, who he said played the conditions to a tee, especially on attack.
He also backed young first five-eighth Lima Sopoaga, who he said showed some good flashes and kicked the goals that mattered.
Overall, Joseph said the team, especially the forwards, showed some real grit on defence and quickly realised what had to be done in the tough conditions.
He praised his bench and the experienced forwards on it who came on and gave the team real impetus.
The Highlanders now have next week off with their second bye of the competition, and Joseph said it was welcomed.
"I don't know where that win leaves us in term of playoffs, but if we can have a week off, and then when we come back for the Lions we can get some guys back like Thommo, Treeby and others, that will really help us."
