The Highlanders put up a brave stand against the Sharks in Durban, losing 31-27 after a tough battle as the Sharks only got home through two late penalties.
The Highlanders were dangerous on the counterattack, scored one of the best tries of the season by any team and, with a slice of luck could have won the match, their first appearance in the playoffs for 12 years.
It was a total change from last year when the side finished a dismal 14th in the 15-team competition.
Joseph said from Durban yesterday it was a committed effort from his side, playing against a Sharks team packed with internationals.
''It came down to character and a bit of belief,'' Joseph said.
''To be honest, no-one gave us a chance when we came over here. We'd had a couple of tough games beforehand where we hadn't played that well and we were up against a team of Springboks.
''That is the reality of the challenge we faced. But we played well and the guys are gutted they came so close.
''But I don't think they understand the magnitude of the effort they have put in. What they have done this year has been pretty special.
''I know I've said it about 400 times this year but I'm really proud of the guys.
''Just the way they played and the way they stood up.''
Joseph said it was now time for the players to have a rest and reflect on the good work they had put into the season.
''It has been a long, hard season and one we can look back at with some satisfaction. We have promoted some guys into Super rugby - Kane Hames, Malakai Fekitoa, Tom Franklin - guys who will hold the Highlanders in good stead into the future.
''It is time for them to have a breather and get ready for next year where they'll have to come back stronger and better.''
Joseph said the Highlanders focused on moving the ball against the Sharks as they knew they would encounter a tough, hardened forward pack.
''In the end it was their power against our counterattack. We knew we were more mobile and had to run them round. It could have gone either way, to be honest. There were a couple of moments there which could have made a difference but they had those, too.''
He said the Sharks' scrum was always going to be tough to handle, and the Highlanders' tight five was up against a test-strength opponent.
The Highlanders had some scrums that held together but it was an area where they have struggled in the past few games.
The loss of tighthead prop Ma'afu Fia had been particularly hard felt.
The Highlanders attacked well, and made the most of every chance that came along. Unfortunately, in the key last few minutes, the Highlanders struggled to get their hands on the ball or were penalised by referee Steve Walsh.
Joseph and team left Cape Town yesterday and get home early tomorrow. From there, the team will have some debriefs and then break up to play the rest of the season for various provincial sides.
It was the final game for the franchise for Chris King, Phil Burleigh and Jarrad Hoeata, who are all going overseas. Other coming and goings will be confirmed in the next few weeks.
Super rugby
The semifinals
1. Crusaders v Sharks
Christchurch, Saturday, 7.35pm
2. Waratahs v Brumbies
Sydney, Saturday, 9.40pm
