"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.
"You go and have a look at the ones sitting in the middle of the field and that is what our guys did."
