DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network

The Test season is in overdrive as the All Blacks navigate a windy, cold Auckland training week before heading to the capital. Forwards coach Jason Ryan unpicks Dave Rennie's "brilliant at basics" directive, addresses the team's defensive cohesion, and directly maps out the selection framework. Plus, dynamic loose forward Wallace Sititi shares an incredibly open, moving account of his mental recovery from a terrifying concussion and reveals what it's really like to vlog for the socials while rooming with skipper Ardie Savea. IMAGE CREDIT: All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan during the All Blacks v France international test match, Nations Championship 2026, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand, 04 July 2026. (Photo by John Cowpland / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this weeks Roundtable... We lock horns over Dave Rennie’s "confusing" positional selections, evaluate the heavy technical load currently draining captain Ardie Savea, expose the corporate buzzwords invading the whiteboard blueprints, and profile the looming Eden Park threat from Ireland. IMAGE CREDIT: All Blacks Ardie Savea during the All Blacks v France international test match, Nations Championship 2026, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand, 04 July 2026. (Photo by Martin Hunter / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are tracking the All Blacks' preparation as they shift camp from Christchurch to Wellington. Assistant coach Neil Barnes directly addresses the selection philosophy, the 95% sub-3-second ruck analytics, and the high-tackle penalty count. Plus, rookie loosehead prop Xavier Numia reflects on a highly emotional debut with his grandfather, and towering lock Sam Darry shares the data tweaks needed to fix their defensive leak before facing a proud Italian forward pack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The groundbreaking opening round of the inaugural Nations Championship is officially in the books. Veteran Sky Sport rugby broadcaster Tony Johnson joins Marty to run a fine microscope over the All Blacks' adventurous 34-32 victory against a bruising French team in Christchurch. We break down the staggering ruck speed analytics, validate Luke Jacobson’s relentless physical work rate, analyze the backfield kicking deficit, and look inside Fabien Galthié's tense, untranslated press conference. IMAGE CREDIT: Dave Rennie during the All Blacks v France international test match, Nations Championship 2026, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand, 04 July 2026. (Photo by Aaron Gillions / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The inaugural round of the Nations Championship is officially in the books, and rugby scribe Chris Jones joins Marty to unpack a wild opening weekend. We break down the absolute demolition of England at Ellis Park, Tony Brown’s revolutionary impact on the Springbok attack, and the defensive red flags surrounding the All Blacks’ high-tempo win over France. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Martin Devlin and Jamie Wall are live from Christchurch the morning after the All Blacks opened the Dave Rennie era with a thrilling 34-32 victory over France. After sleeping on the result, they break down the good, the bad and the genuinely concerning. The All Blacks scored five tries and showed a clear new attacking intent, but defensive lapses, discipline issues and four French tries ensured this was far from a complete performance. The pair assess Ruben Love’s night at number 10, Luke Jacobson’s standout performance, Will Jordan on the wing, the impact of the bench and whether this side has already moved forward from last season. Plus, reaction to the rest of the opening Nations Championship round, including South Africa’s big win over England, Ireland edging Australia and Scotland’s stunning victory in Argentina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special live podcast recorded straight after full time, Martin Devlin and Jamie Wall react from One NZ Stadium in Christchurch to the All Blacks’ opening Test of 2026 against France. They break down the key moments, standout performances and biggest talking points from the match, before being joined straight off the field by Peter Lakai, Fehi Fineanganofo and Jamie Hannah. Immediate analysis and player reaction from inside the stadium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first All Blacks starting lineup of the season is officially locked in, and Jamie Wall joins Marty live from Christchurch to unpack the mailbag. We tackle the massive debate surrounding Ruben Love getting his first international start at first-five, analyze why Luke Jacobson got the nod over a dominant Du'Plessis Kirifi, and look into a major milestone conspiracy dividing local fans. IMAGE CREDIT: Luke Jacobson during a training session, Christchurch, New Zealand, 29 June 2026. (Photo by John Cowpland / action press) Will Jordan during a training session, Christchurch, New Zealand, 02 July 2026. (Photo by John Cowpland / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Martin Devlin is joined by Nigel Yalden and Jamie Wall live in Christchurch ahead of the All Blacks’ opening Nations Championship Test against France. The trio break down Dave Rennie’s first All Blacks team, the big selection calls and the pressure on Ruben Love to make the No. 10 jersey his own. They also ask whether this new coaching group can get more from a familiar group of players than the previous regime managed, and what a successful first performance under Rennie should actually look like. With six Test matches across the weekend, there is plenty to preview, including the other key Nations Championship clashes and the Rugby Championship teams in action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All Blacks halfback and 123-game Chiefs legend Brad Weber steps into the DSPN studio for a masterclass on the technical mechanics behind Dave Rennie's tactical setup ahead of the opening French test. IMAGE CREDIT: All Blacks XV Brad Weber speaks at an interview after the match between New Zealand XV and Japan XV in the Lipovitan-D Rugby Challenge Cup, Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo, Japan, Saturday , July 08, 2023. (Photo by Toru Hanai / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The highly anticipated international test season is officially here, and our expert roundtable is completely divided. Mark Watson and John Day join Marty for a fiery debate ahead of the All Blacks' blockbuster opening test against France in Christchurch. We lock horns over the No.10 starting jersey, break down the massive selection fallout over Ethan de Groot’s match fitness, and preview a sensational weekend of international Nations Championship footy.IMAGE CREDIT:All Black Ruben Love kicks the ball during the Wales v All Blacks match, Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Saturday, 22 November 2025. (Photo by Anthony Upton / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are live from the boundary lines at Christ's College in Christchurch for day two of test week. Newly appointed All Blacks assistant coach Neil Barnes joins us to outline Dave Rennie's "brilliant at basics" forward pack blueprints and fires back at the media narrative surrounding France's touring squad. Plus, first-five Damian McKenzie joins us at his old stomping ground to detail his mental reset and address the backfield selection wars. IMAGE CREDIT: Chiefs Xavier Roe, left, Damian McKenzie, centre, and Kyren Taumoefolau after losing during the Hurricanes v Chiefs, Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final match, Hnry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand. Saturday, 20 June 2026, (Photo by Stringer / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sky Sport commentator Tony Johnson joins Marty to break down Dave Rennie’s first selection framework. We unpack the groundbreaking Anzac Test proposal for the Bledisloe Cup at Suncorp Stadium, navigate the backfield shuffle caused by Will Jordan's injury cloud, and outline why Rennie should instantly give Ruben Love the NO.10 keys in Christchurch. IMAGE CREDIT: All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie, All Blacks training session, Auckland, New Zealand, Saturday, 27 June 2026. (Photo by John Cowpland / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are live on the ground in Christchurch at the All Blacks' team hotel. Assistant coach Jason Ryan opens up about surviving the coaching turnover, dealing with Neil Barnes' new lineout structures, and prepping the forward pack for a massive, innovative French unit. Plus, Jordie Barrett joins us to discuss his senior role, adapting to his fourth international head coach, and building chemistry with Ruben Love. IMAGE CREDIT: All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan, All Blacks training session, Auckland, New Zealand, Saturday, 27 June 2026. (Photo by John Cowpland / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dave Rennie's All Blacks Squad is locked in, and now the real chess match begins. Martin Devlin and Jamie Wall form their own two-man selection committee to predict the 23-man lineup for Dave Rennie’s first official test match in charge against France. IMAGE CREDIT: New Zealand Jordie Barrett during the All Blacks v South Africa, Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship Test, New Zealand, Saturday, 06 September 2025. (Photo by Aaron Gillions / action press) All Black Anton Lienert-Brown reacts during All Blacks v Italy Northern Tour match, Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy, Saturday, 23 November 2024. (Photo by Joe Toth / action press) New Zealand Cam Roigard during the All Blacks v Ireland, Gallagher Cup test match, Soldier Field, Chicago, United States of America, Saturday, 01 November 2025. (Photo by Eric Francis / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All Black legend Murray Mexted joins Marty in the studio for a deep, no-nonsense breakdown of the Hurricanes' spectacular championship victory and Dave Rennie's inaugural 34-man national squad. Mex details why Rennie’s clinical messaging cuts straight through media noise, explains the instinctive advantage of starting the firing Hurricanes backline, and delivers a stark warning about our ball-winning height deficit before facing France and South Africa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All Black legend and 516 first-class game veteran John Afoa enters the studio to pull apart Dave Rennie's first squad announcement. John explains the real purpose of these July tests, why Cortez Ratima and Kyle Preston offer distinct tactical profiles, and the "illusion of height" in international lineouts. Plus, we react to the breaking news that Moana Pasifika is officially out of Super Rugby Pacific. IMAGE CREDIT: Graham Henry and Conrad Smith look on. New Zealand All Blacks v England. Rugby World Cup semi final. International Stadium, Yokohama, Tokyo, Japan. Saturday 26 October 2019. © Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.Photosport.nz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The response to Monday's All Blacks squad naming has been absolutely massive. Martin Devlin and Jamie Wall fire up an emergency midweek mailbag to filter through the raw emotion of over 1,500 fan comments. We tackle the furious debate surrounding Anton Lienert-Brown's selection, the exclusion of Timoci Tavatavanawai, and whether Beauden Barrett's current form justifies his spot in this new era.IMAGE CREDIT:Blues Beauden Barrett during the Hurricanes v Blues, Super Rugby Pacific match, Hnry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand. Saturday, 11 April 2026, (Photo by Stringer / action press)Head coach Dave Rennie during the All Blacks 2026 Squad Announcement, Feilding Yellows Rugby Club, Feilding, New Zealand, Monday, 22 June 2026. (Photo by John Cowpland / action press)New Zealand Ardie Savea during the All Blacks v South Africa, Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship Test, Wellington, New Zealand, Saturday, 13 September 2025. (Photo by Aaron Gillions / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first All Blacks squad announcement of 2026 is in the books and the emotions are running high. Jamie Wall caught up with new caps Fehi Fineanganofo, Josh Moorby, Xavier Numia, and Anton Segner to trace their incredible journeys to the black jersey. Importantly, we dive into Fineanganofo's cloud-covered Newcastle contract situation. IMAGE CREDIT: Hurricanes Fehi Fineanganofo celebrates a try during the Hurricanes v Chiefs, Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final match, Hnry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand. Saturday, 20 June 2026, (Photo by Marty Melville / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first All Blacks squad of the year is officially locked in. Martin Devlin sits down with Mark Watson and John Day to run through the newbies and the massive snubs from yesterday's announcement. We debate why Du'Plessis Kirifi and Samipeni Finau missed out after their massive final performances. Plus we check the status of the controversial Richie Mo'unga training rumors.IMAGE CREDIT:New Zealand Ardie Savea during the All Blacks v South Africa, Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship Test, Wellington, New Zealand, Saturday, 13 September 2025. (Photo by Martin Hunter / action press)Hurricanes Ruben Love during the Hurricanes v Blues, Super Rugby Pacific match, Hnry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand. Saturday, 11 April 2026, (Photo by Marty Melville / action press)Blues Anton Segner during the Blues v Reds, Super Rugby Pacific match, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand. Saturday, 25 April 2026. (Photo by Martin Hunter / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Martin Devlin, Tony Johnson and Jamie Wall react live to Dave Rennie’s first All Blacks squad naming. They break down the four new caps, Ardie Savea’s appointment as captain, Kyle Preston’s surprise selection and the biggest omissions, including Du’Plessis Kirifi and Noah Hotham. Jamie reports from the squad announcement in Feilding, while Martin and Tony debate the strongest starting XV for the opening Test against France, the Richie Mo’unga situation and which players could still force their way into the wider squad for South Africa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clarke Laidlaw and Jono Gibbes join the captains upstairs for a press conference before the ultimate decider at the Cake Tin. We break down the massive lineout battle, the return of Jordie Barrett, and what it takes to banish past heartbreak and secure a title. IMAGE CREDIT: Chiefs Tupou Vaa'i during the Chiefs v Crusaders, Super Rugby Pacific match, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Saturday, 28 February 2026, (Photo by Aaron Gillions / action press) Hurricanes Jordie Barrett warms up during the Hurricanes v Brumbies, Super Rugby Pacific Qualifying Final match, Hnry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand. Friday, 5 June 2026, (Photo by Marty Melville / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Grand Final is locked in. Special guest Ross Karl from the Aotearoa Rugby Pod joins us in the studio to preview the blockbuster Hurricanes vs Chiefs decider. We break down why Jordie Barrett is the complete package, look at the brutal loose forward styles clash, and debate who claims the All Blacks Number 10 Jersey on Monday. IMAGE CREDIT: Hurricanes Jordie Barrett during the Hurricanes v Blues, Super Rugby Pacific match, Hnry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand. Friday, 11 April 2025, (Photo by Stringer / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final is officially locked in for an absolute blockbuster matchup in Wellington. Ollie Norris joins Marty on the show to review their devastating semifinal performance against the Crusaders. We look at his recovery from surgery, the scrum tactics needed to stop the Hurricanes, and how the squad is channeling past heartbreak to chase the trophy. IMAGE CREDIT: Chiefs Ollie Norris during the Chiefs v Crusaders, Super Rugby Pacific Semi Final match, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Friday, 12 June 2026, (Photo by Aaron Gillions / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The teams are officially locked in for the Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final at the Cake Tin. We break down the massive squad announcements, including the scary loose forward depth of the Chiefs. Plus we head to the Sky Tower to chat with the newly crowned Super Rugby Player of the Year, Quinn Tupaea. 00:10 - Squad Reactions 05:55 - Quinn Tupaea Press Conference 18:40 - Wrap Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former All Black Ants Strachan joins Marty to preview an incredibly highly anticipated Super Rugby final between the top two high-flying teams. We dive deep into the kicking strategies, the set-piece proficiency under sour weather conditions, and why the Hurricanes' loose forwards have the edge. Plus, Ant delivers a passionate reflection on his own All Blacks selection and weighs in on the ruthless decisions facing the national selectors. IMAGE CREDIT: Chiefs Tupou Vaa'i during the Chiefs v Crusaders, Super Rugby Pacific Semi Final match, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Friday, 12 June 2026, (Photo by Stringer / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s grand final week, and the Rugby Roundtable is fired up. John Day and Mark Watson join the show to pick a winner in the blockbusting Hurricanes vs Chiefs decider. We debate whether the Chiefs can break their four-final losing curse, analyze why the Blues' defensive system completely imploded down the stretch, and lock horns over whether Beauden Barrett a spot in Monday’s All Blacks squad announcement. IMAGE CREDIT: Blues Beauden Barrett during the Hurricanes v Blues, Super Rugby Pacific match, Hnry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand. Saturday, 11 April 2026, (Photo by Stringer / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The two absolute best teams have made the grand final, and Sky Sport's Tony Johnson joins Marty to unpack a sensational weekend of semifinal results. We dive into the massive debate surrounding Cam Roigard's controversial "sportsmanship" try against the Blues, analyze Damian McKenzie’s masterclass performance against the Crusaders, and look ahead to the ultimate selection showdown in Wellington. IMAGE CREDIT: Crusaders Manumaua Letiu and Leicester Fainga'anuku are dejected during the Chiefs v Crusaders, Super Rugby Pacific Semi Final match, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Friday, 12 June 2026, (Photo by Aaron Gillions / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are locking into a massive breakdown on the state of the women's global game. New Zealand Rugby’s Hannah Porter joins the desk to address the worrying pipeline leak between high school and senior women's rugby. We talk handling England’s club-dominated model, the radical 15-week shift for Super Rugby Aupiki, and an historic double-header in Johannesburg. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chiefs are into another Super Rugby final after a massive semi-final win over the Crusaders in Hamilton. Jamie Wall was there for DSPN as the Chiefs produced a stunning first half, putting 40-plus points on the Crusaders and defending with serious grit after the break. Jono Gibbes praised his side’s problem-solving under pressure, while Tupou Vaa’i called the performance “bloody awesome” after the Chiefs kept a dangerous Crusaders side to just 12 points. Jamie and Nigel Yalden break down the biggest talking points from FMG Stadium Waikato, including the Chiefs’ explosive attack, their injury concerns, Rob Penney’s final game with the Crusaders, and whether the Chiefs can finally break their finals curse next week. Subscribe to DSPN for more rugby reaction, analysis and interviews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are digging straight into the million-dollar question regarding the health of global rugby pathways. Irish rugby journalist Caolán Scully joins Jamie to explode the myths surrounding Ireland's central contracting model. We track the financial squeeze forcing James Lowe to Japan, rate Clayton McMillan’s tough debut season at Munster, and explain why the All Blacks hold the ultimate psychological edge. IMAGE CREDIT: Hurricanes Jordie Barrett during the Hurricanes v Brumbies, Super Rugby Pacific match, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand. Saturday, 25 April 2026. (Photo by Martin Hunter / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are diving straight into the high stakes Super Rugby semifinals. Nigel Yalden joins the studio to break down whether Jono Gibbes has the European experience to push the Chiefs past their final hurdle hurdle. We analyze Damian McKenzie shaking off his head knock, audit the All Black bolter credentials of Isaac Hutchinson, and explain why Friday night's clash with the Crusaders is pure appointment viewing. IMAGE CREDIT: Chiefs Damian McKenzie celebrates a try during the Chiefs v Reds, Super Rugby Pacific Qualifying Final match, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Saturday, 6 June 2026, (Photo by Aaron Gillions / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Rugby Roundtable is completely locked in for a brutal semifinal weekend. Mark and John join the desk to unveil our 2026 All Black bolters and debate whether Brad Shields deserves the midweek captaincy in South Africa. We pull the rip cord on the absolute collapse of the Blues, expose the structural flaws in the current playoff system, and break down Tony Brown’s massive early appointment. IMAGE CREDIT: Highlanders Lucas Casey during the Highlanders v Hurricanes, Super Rugby Pacific match, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand. Friday, 20 March 2026, (Photo by Michael Thomas / action press) Chiefs Isaac Hutchinson scores a try during the Chiefs v Reds, Super Rugby Pacific Qualifying Final match, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Saturday, 6 June 2026, (Photo by Aaron Gillions / action press) Crusaders Jamie Hannah during the Crusaders v Blues, Super Rugby Pacific Qualifying Final match, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand. Saturday, 6 June 2026, (Photo by Martin Hunter / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Super Rugby semifinals are here, but unfortunately, every single Australian team is watching from the couch. Australian Rugby Commentator Sean Maloney and Brett McKay of the 8/9 Rugby Podcast join the show for a brutal, no-nonsense reality check on the state of the game across the Tasman. We break down the structural failures of the competition, lineout crises, and the massive international season ahead. IMAGE CREDIT: Reds Carter Gordon during the Chiefs v Reds, Super Rugby Pacific Qualifying Final match, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Saturday, 6 June 2026, (Photo by Aaron Gillions / action press) Warratahs Lawson Creighton during the Highlanders v Waratahs, Super Rugby Pacific match, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand. Saturday, 9 May 2026, (Photo by Michael Thomas / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Martin and Jamie dive into a massive qualifying finals mailbag to address the feedback surrounding Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley's appearance. We look at the verified data showing double-digit crowd growth across New Zealand stadiums, break down why the All Blacks still outrate the Warriors on Sky, and analyze how to manage Ardie Savea's massive workload. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're checking in with one of the real standout stars of the Crusaders as the team heads into a massive knockout clash at Te Kaha. Leicester Faingaʻanuku joins the show to chat about his radical positional shift into the loose forward pack. We look at his stint up north in France, the mental challenge of juggling two completely different positions, and what it takes to stop a dangerous Blues outfit.IMAGE CREDIT: Crusaders Leciester Fainga'anuku during the Reds v Crusaders, Super Rugby Pacific match, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia. Saturday, 11 April 2026, (Photo by Tertius Pickard / action press)Crusaders Leicester Fainga’anuku warms up during the Blues v Crusaders preseason match, Super Rugby Pacific, Onewa Domain, Auckland, New Zealand. Friday, 6 February 2026, (Photo by John Cowpland / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are officially strapped in for the Super Rugby qualifying finals. Martin Devlin sits down for a couple of massive, back-to-back exclusive interviews with Queensland Reds head coach Les Kiss and Brumbies assistant coach Ben Mowen. We talk mental warfare, handling iffy weather, and why the regular season counts for absolutely zero once the do-or-die footy kicks off. IMAGE CREDIT: Reds coach Les Kiss during the Reds v Crusaders, Super Rugby Pacific match, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia. Saturday, 11 April 2026, (Photo by Tertius Pickard / action press) Reds Lukhan Salakaia-Loto takes a line out ball during the Reds v Crusaders, Super Rugby Pacific match, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia. Saturday, 11 April 2026, (Photo by Tertius Pickard / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hurricanes assistant coach Cory Jane joins the show ahead of their massive sudden-death quarter-final against the Brumbies in Wellington. We tackle the fallout from the heavy Crusaders loss, why the squad is ignoring the favorites tag, and how a brutal preseason strategy built around their 22-meter defense is paying off. Plus, we hear why Ruben Love is tracking toward a world-class future. IMAGE CREDIT: Hurricanes Fehi Fineanganofo during the Blues v Hurricanes, Super Rugby Pacific match, Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand. Saturday, 16 May 2026, (Photo by Blake Armstrong / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s qualifying finals time! Martin and Jamie break down the stats and structures for the massive three-match schedule. We look at the top-form Hurricanes locking down key talent, the massive front-row injury headache threatening the Crusaders’ fortress, and a historic 1990s punch-up. IMAGE CREDIT: Chiefs Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi during the Chiefs v Blues, Super Rugby Pacific match, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Saturday, 30 May 2026, (Photo by Stringer / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Roundtable time on DSPN, and we are laying down the 34 names for our All Blacks side. Martin, John Day, and Mark Watson don't fanny around with these three tests, debating the 19-15 forward split and why Dave Rennie needs to see this team under load before facing South Africa. We break down the front row anchors, settle the loose forward mix, and explain why a stint in the northern hemisphere officially proved what New Zealand rugby fans have known for ages about Rieko Ioane. IMAGE CREDIT: All Blacks Ethan DeGroot during the match between New Zealand and South Africa in the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, Saturday, July 15, 2023. (Photo by Lynne Cameron / action press) Hurricanes Fehi Fineanganofo points during the Waratahs v Hurricanes, Super Rugby Pacific match, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Australia. Friday, 6 March 2026, (Photo by Steven Markham / action press) Blues Anton Segner during the Blues v Reds, Super Rugby Pacific match, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand. Saturday, 25 April 2026. (Photo by Martin Hunter / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let’s be honest, people love to paint a negative picture about crowd sizes, but the numbers tell a very different story. Martin sits down for an exclusive chat with Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley as the competition heads into the finals. We dive into the double-digit attendance growth across New Zealand, how the game outrates the Warriors on Sky, and the ongoing government funding battles for Super Round. IMAGE CREDIT: Jack Mesley Chief Executive Officer of Super Rugby Pacific speaks before presenting Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea his player award during the Hurricanes v Moana Pasifika, Super Rugby Pacific match, Sky Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand. Saturday, 31 May 2025, (Photo by Marty Melville / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Martin Devlin and resident rule expert Jeff the Ref sit down with a glass of water—or vodka—to dismantle the most glaring officiating moments from the weekend. We call out the complete lack of forward pass calls from assistant referees after 16 rounds of Super Rugby. Plus, we look at reckless head-on-head contact and why warnings need to be completely banned heading into the qualifying finals. IMAGE CREDIT: Crusaders Antonio Shalfoon during the Crusaders v Hurricanes, Super Rugby Pacific match, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand. Friday, 29 May 2026 (Photo by Martin Hunter / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sky Sport's Tony Johnson joins Marty to break down the three massive qualifying finals this weekend. We tackle the Hurricanes’ strategic "rest vs rust" choices against the Crusaders, break down the Brumbies' horribly inconsistent form since their 50-point statement win, and look into the breaking rumors of a potential lifeline for Moana Pasifika. IMAGE CREDIT: Blues Eli Oudenryn during the Chiefs v Blues, Super Rugby Pacific match, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Saturday, 30 May 2026, (Photo by Stringer / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s mailbag time and we are ripping into your hottest takes. We address the terrifying culture of schoolboy steroid use in South Africa and whether those artificial gains actually stick around in adulthood. Plus, we debate the real cost of losing South African franchises, the looming dread of Scott Barrett’s massive injury layout, and a radical hybrid bench strategy that could transform the All Blacks' upcoming tour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Martin and Jamie back up after a chaotic 24 hours to preview a high-stakes Round 16. We delve into the Ashley Klein Origin red card controversy and explain why it’s a massive advertisement for rugby’s 20-minute red card rule. Plus, we break down the hammer blows hitting Christchurch with Scott Barrett out for surgery, Will Jordan’s recurring calf nightmare, and the departure of Rob Penney. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Editor-in-Chief host Duncan Garner joins Martin Devlin and Jamie Wall on the DSPN today! We're tearing into Duncan’s controversial Listener piece claiming New Zealand rugby is officially broken. From the 40 schoolboys pinched by the Warriors program to the empty stadium seats at marquee games, we sit down for a brutal, honest look at our national sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our resident whistle-blower Jeff McGregor returns for another edition of Jeff The Ref ahead of international referee Ben O'Keeffe rolling into the studio. We’re drilling into the controversial refereeing moments from the weekend, including the bizarre Hurricanes quick-tap, and why grassroots sideline behavior has reached an all-time low. IMAGE CREDIT: Angus Gardner during the Hurricanes v Highlanders, Super Rugby Pacific match, Hnry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand. Saturday, 23 May 2026, (Photo by Stringer / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Rugby Roundtable is back to tackle the state of the game as the round robin wraps up. Mark Watson and John Day join the show to break down the emergence of new young talent like Lucas Casey and Anton Segner, while sounding the alarm on the worrying decline of the competition. We talk private equity, slashing franchises, and the massive injury blows defining the playoffs. IMAGE CREDIT: Hurricanes Cam Roigard makes a pass during the Hurricanes v Crusaders, Super Rugby Pacific match, Hnry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand. Friday, 1 May 2026, (Photo by Marty Melville / action press) Chiefs Damian McKenzie scores a try during the of the Brumbies v Chiefs, Super Rugby Pacific match, Gio Stadium, Canberra, Australia. Friday, 20 March 2026, (Photo by Mark Evans / action press) Crusaders Will Jordan during the Crusaders v Fijian Drua, Super Rugby Pacific match, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand. Friday, 3 April 2026, (Photo by Martin Hunter / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One round to go in the Super Rugby round-robin and the playoff picture is absolute chaos. Martin and Jamie dive straight into the numbers, breaking down the Hurricanes’ record-breaking run of 50-plus point games and their insane 11 bonus points. We look at the genius coaching innovation behind Leicester Faingaʻanuku playing at seven, whether Sevu Reece has just played his way back into the All Blacks conversation, and why the psychology of the final round means nobody is going to roll over. Image Credit: Hurricanes Ruben Love, front, fails to stop a loose ball during the Hurricanes v Highlanders, Super Rugby Pacific match, Hnry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand. Saturday, 23 May 2026, (Photo by Marty Melville / action press)] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Johnson joins Martin straight after calling an absolute crackerjack of a match between the Crusaders and Chiefs. We break down the incredible atmosphere in Christchurch's new stadium, look at the brutal calf injury concerns for Will Jordan, and question why Dave Rennie sees Leicester Leicester Faingaʻanuku as a winger when he’s currently playing flanker. Plus, we address the excruciating disappointment around Caleb Tangitau and look ahead to a massive final round of regular-season action. Image Credit: Crusaders Johnny McNicholl try during the Crusaders v Chiefs, Super Rugby Pacific match, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand. Friday, 22 May 2026, (Photo by Martin Hunter / action press) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices