Rugby: Hohneck back on deck for Highlanders

By Steve Hepburn

Otago Daily Times·

16 Apr, 2015 05:00 PM2 mins to read

Josh Hohneck of the Highlanders. Photo / Getty Images

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph is completely satisfied with the condition of prop Josh Hohneck, saying that anyone who can go pig hunting and capture a boar must be all right.

Hohneck has come under the spotlight this week after appearing to get knocked out in the early stages of the match against the Crusaders last Saturday.

After passing the concussion protocol test on the sideline, he returned to the field and played the rest of the match.

He has been tested for concussion since and has been named in the Highlanders front row to play the Blues at Forsyth Barr Stadium tomorrow night.

Joseph said the team and doctor followed the concussion protocol for Super Rugby. The surprising thing was that Hohneck passed the test, which was a rarity in modern rugby.

"Obviously Josh went through a bunch of protocols all week and he has come through those all fine and we have opted to select him," Joseph said.

"I think what we have to understand [is] that there are a set of protocols run medically by our doc, and all docs that are in the competition.

"So, at the game, he took a knock and he has got taken off. He has to sit a series of tests -- quite tough ones. From my memory, and talking to Greg [Dr Greg Macleod], he is the only player that I can remember that has passed those protocols mid-game."

Hohneck has gone through testing since and had been given the all-clear by the medical staff, so Joseph had no hesitation picking him.

"I heard he went pig hunting yesterday [Wednesday], was walking up hills and got himself a 100-pound [45kg] boar, so things are looking up for Josh Hohneck."

New Zealand Rugby has responded to the incident by making television replays available for match doctors to view incidents, but Joseph questioned their value.

"When there is a car crash, no one goes looking for the CCTVs," the Highlanders coach said.