The veteran prop will captain Otago against Hawke’s Bay at Forsyth Barr Stadium tonight.
The 36-year-old front-rower has played more than 250 first-class games. But, even if he was making his debut, he could predict with absolute certainty how Hawke’s Bay will look to play the game.
The Magpies love a good maul and they will lean on the big boppers to crash the ball up. That is not saying they will not look to spin it wide, but history suggests Otago will need to have its maul defence watertight
"That is their DNA, isn’t it?" Hohneck said.
"They have a forward game with big ball carriers. They’ve been doing that for years.
"It’s always a tough battle against them. They hold the ball a lot, so we need to get ready to make a few tackles and defend a few mauls if you don’t get your discipline right."
For the most part, Otago appeared to get its maul defence right in the 25-19 win over Tasman.
The Mako scored one try from a lineout drive but were repelled perhaps half a dozen times.
Hohneck was not prepared to give the Otago forwards a pass mark, though.
"We were probably a little bit off in parts. I think Whoppa [Otago assistant coach Jamie Mackintosh] was saying we hadn’t had a maul try scored against us all last year."
Otago has had a mixed start to the NPC.
It played poorly against Counties-Manukau but still got in a position to win. However, some less than ideal game management cost it victory.
Otago dominated Tasman for long stretches in a much-improved performance. It was a heartening effort.
"We got some major parts of our game right that we definitely got wrong against Counties.
"There were some big learnings there but we are showing up with the right mindset."
Tonight’s game will be Otago’s second game in five days, and its plays Southland on Sunday.
It is a taxing schedule, so Otago has taken the opportunity to rest regular captain James Lentjes.
Hohneck has captained at club and age-group level, but he has never led the team at first-class level.
"It is not really the done thing for props, is it? We don’t tend to play too many minutes so someone will have to pick it up in the second half.
"But I just see the job as annoying the ref a little bit more, or more than I already do. The leaders within the team will run at attack and defence."
Hohneck lives in Waikouaiti with partner Sam Dolan and children Olive (almost 4) and August (2). The couple are expecting a third child at the end of the season and that might be it for Hohneck.
The body is still willing. He has not had a serious injury for years.
"I play this season out and take a couple of months for myself and see if I want to go around again next year."
He enjoys living in Otago and the outdoors lifestyle. But his family has a farm near Auckland and he might be drawn back there for a stint.
• Otago lock Josh Dickson has been released by the All Blacks to play in the NPC this weekend.
NPC
Forsyth Barr Stadium, 7.05pm
Otago: Josh Ioane, Freedom Vahaakolo, Josh Timu, Ray Nu’u, Vilimoni Koroi, Cameron Millar, James Arscott, Rupeni Tamani, Sean Withy, Sam Fischli, Josh Hill, Fabian Holland, Saula Ma’u, Ricky Jackson, Josh Hohneck (c). Reserves: Henry Bell, Abraham Pole, Tau Koloamatangi, Will Tucker, Oliver Haig, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Sam Gilbert, Jake Te Hiwi.
Hawke’s Bay: Harry Godfrey, Ollie Sapsford, Stacey Ili, Nick Grigg, Lolagi Visinia, Caleb Makene, Ereatara Enari, Devan Flanders, Josh Kaifa, Sione Tu’ipulotu, Tom Parsons (c), Bryn Evans, Joe Apikotoa, Tyrone Thompson, Mark Braidwood. Reserves: Gene Syminton, Lolani Faleiva, Joel Hintz, Frank Lochore, Will Tremain, Connor McLeod, Kienan Higgins, Anzelo Tutavuki.
