DSPN - RUGBY

Martin flies solo on the DSPN mailbag while Jamie heads to Edinburgh ahead of the All Blacks test against Scotland. He rips into listener feedback on dominant forward packs, the Christchurch stadium heat debate, Super Rugby squad announcements, and why writing off Scotland at Murrayfield is a massive mistake.

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All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie during the All Blacks v Australia, Bledisloe Cup, international test match, ACCOR Stadium, Sydney, Australia, 17 October 2026. (Photo by James Gourley / Alphapix)

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Four weeks, four tests, and plenty riding on the outcome. Martin breaks down the six big questions facing the All Blacks as we head into the final stretch of the Nations Championship. We look at realistic expectations, who is playing for their World Cup future, and why England at Twickenham is the ultimate measuring stick for Dave Rennie.

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All Blacks flanker Peter Lakai during the All Blacks v Australia, Bledisloe Cup, international test match, Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, 10 October 2026. (Photo by Blake Armstrong / Alphapix)

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Martin Devlin is joined by John Day and Mark Watson for a massive roundtable preview as the All Blacks gear up for their opening Nations Championship test against Scotland at Murrayfield. Following a grueling year of test rugby, we look at the historical record against the Scots, the danger posed by flyhalf Finn Russell, and why our forward pack needs to front up from the first whistle. The team puts our set-piece execution under the microscope, discussing why an 80 percent lineout success rate is simply not good enough at test level. IMAGE CREDIT: Damian McKenzie during an All Blacks...

Tony Johnson joins Martin to unpack the big announcement from NZ Rugby on the future of Super Rugby and the NPC. We look at why privatisation is off the table, the idea of All Blacks playing across the ditch, and look ahead to the Nations Championship kickoff against Scotland at Murrayfield.

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Will Jordan during the All Blacks training session, Sydney, Australia, 13 October 2026. (Photo by John Cowpland / Alphapix)

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It is mailbag time, and we are diving straight into your comments. Martin and Jamie break down why everyone went quiet on Du'Plessis Kirifi, Lester Fainga'anuku's hybrid bench role, and whether World Rugby needs to increase World Cup squad sizes. Plus, we look at the selection mystery around Emoni Narawa.

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Du’Plessis Kirifi during an All Blacks training session, Sydney, Australia, 15 October 2026. (Photo by John Cowpland / Alphapix)

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If you're a young bloke chasing a professional sporting career, where do your best opportunities lie? Martin lays out the cold hard facts on rugby union versus rugby league, breaking down the odds, global markets, and post-career earnings. IMAGE CREDIT: Will Jordan during the All Blacks training session, Sydney, Australia, 13 October 2026. (Photo by John Cowpland / Alphapix)

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Nigel Yalden joins Martin Devlin to break down the Super Rugby squads for the upcoming season. We look at the Hurricanes retooling after a dominant year, the Crusaders and Chiefs setups, and the Wallabies welcoming back an old grunter.

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CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 03: Richie Mo'unga poses during the Crusaders Super Rugby 2022 headshots session at Rugby Park on February 03, 2022 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images for NZR)

DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 05: Shannon Frizell poses during the Highlanders 2021...

Martin, Mark, and John rip into the newly named All Blacks squad for the Northern Tour. Mark questions the ongoing faith in older campaigners like Anton Lienert-Brown and Beauden Barrett, while John defends the value of proven test experience. We look at the loose forward mix, dissect Jamie Hannah getting the nod over Sam Darry, and ask if this squad can genuinely sweep all four tests in Europe.

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All Black Ardie Savea looks dejected following defeat during the England v All Blacks match, Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, England, Saturday, 15 November 2025. (Photo by Jed Leicester...

Tony Johnson joins Martin on DSPN to dissect the freshly named 36-man All Blacks squad for the Northern Tour. We break down the big selection surprises, look at who missed out, and talk through Leicester Fainga'anuku's return as a hybrid loose forward.

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We break down the All Blacks squad naming and the massive 20-player injury toll facing the team ahead of the Northern tour end of the Nations Championship. From bracketed front-rowers to last-man-standing depth.

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All Blacks wing Leroy Carter is tackled during the All Blacks v Australia, Bledisloe Cup, international test match, Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, 10 October 2026. (Photo by Blake Armstrong / Alphapix)

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Tim from Eggchasers Rugby joins Martin Devlin in the studio to break down the reality of international rugby following the South African tour. We talk Rassie Erasmus, Springbok depth, and where the All Blacks sit on the road to the World Cup.

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All Blacks Scott Barrett during the All Blacks v Australia, Bledisloe Cup, international test match, ACCOR Stadium, Sydney, Australia, 17 October 2026. (Photo by James Gourley / Alphapix)

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World Cup winning coach Sir Graham Henry joins Martin Devlin on DSPN to postmortem the All Blacks' Bledisloe Cup series sweep over the Wallabies. Uncle Ted breaks down how training intensity has shifted since South Africa, evaluates backline play, and explains why defense will decide the next World Cup. 0:00 Intro & HBO Max 0:44 Graham Henry joins the show 1:57 South African tour learnings 4:50 The modern game has more moving parts 7:04 South Africa — role models for the nation 8:19 Fitness levels — "you've gotta be bloody fit" 11:14 Defense — "our defense has to be bulletproof" 14:34 Rassie's rotation & All Blacks depth 16:37 Compulsory rotation through injuries 21:18 Beauden Barret...

UK rugby writer Chris Jones and Australian analyst Brett McKay join Martin Devlin on DSPN for an in-depth breakdown of the Springboks. The panel examines South Africa's terrifying squad depth, their World Cup trajectory, and whether any side in world rugby can challenge their dominance. IMAGE CREDIT: South Africa Siya Kolisi reacts after scoring a try during the All Blacks v South Africa second test match, Rugbys Greatest Rivalry, DHL Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa, Saturday, 29 August 2026. (Photo by Nic Bothma / action press)

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Martin Devlin, John Day, and Mark Watson break down the All Blacks' Bledisloe Cup series sweep over the Wallabies. The panel tackles the stunning 36-7 first-half blitz in Sydney, Damian McKenzie's performance at first five, and what lies ahead for the squad up north.

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All Blacks Timoci Tavatavanawai during the All Blacks v Australia, Bledisloe Cup, international test match, ACCOR Stadium, Sydney, Australia, 17 October 2026. (Photo by James Gourley / Alphapix)

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Tony Johnson joins Martin Devlin after calling Northland's epic NPC semifinal win to break down the All Blacks' Bledisloe Cup performance in Sydney. We look at that dominant first half, the mounting 19-player injury list, and what lies ahead on the Northern Hemisphere tour.

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A night’s sleep and another look at the game have changed the mood. Was that first half in Sydney the clearest picture yet of what these All Blacks can become?

Martin Devlin is joined by former All Black Ant Strachan and Jamie Wall in Sydney to reassess the 43–21 win over the Wallabies and look beyond the frustrating finish.

Ant explains the work behind the attacking fireworks, while Jamie makes the case for celebrating a team that delivered despite major midfield disruptions. Peter Lakai’s form creates a fascinating selection question when Ardie Savea returns, and we...

Seven tries and another big win over the Wallabies. So why did the final whistle feel a little flat?

Martin Devlin and Ross Karl from Aotearoa Rugby Pod unpack the All Blacks’ 43–21 victory in Sydney, with Jamie Wall reporting from the ground. A sensational first half promised a hiding, but a scoreless final 35 minutes left plenty to debate.

Beauden Barrett strengthens his World Cup case, Cam Roigard delivers another masterclass and Timoci Tavatavanawai gets his opportunity in the starting midfield. But the missed tackles, shaky lineout and second-half drop-off raise questions about how far this team...

Martin Devlin looks at where the All Blacks actually stand heading into the second Bledisloe Cup test in Sydney. While the second half performance at Eden Park was outstanding, Marty breaks down why South Africa remains the benchmark and why fans have every right to question preparations and standards.

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Du’Plessis Kirifi is back and Timoci Tavatavanawai gets his shot. But how much time will they get to make an impact against the Wallabies?

Martin Devlin and Nigel Yalden dissect the All Blacks team for the second Bledisloe Cup Test, with Jamie Wall joining from Sydney. Dave Rennie has backed the core of his Eden Park winners. Is consistency exactly what this team needs, or should he be taking a few more risks?

Plus, the McKenzie–Roigard combination, the questions around Tyrel Lomax, and an injury list that puts New Zealand’s depth into perspe...

Wallabies legend John Eales joins Martin Devlin on DSPN to reflect on the Bledisloe Cup opener at Eden Park. We break down Australia's promising start, the crucial moments that shifted momentum, and what Les Kiss and his side need to fix before stepping out in Sydney.

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All Black icon Murray Mexted joins Martin Devlin to dissect the All Blacks' dominant 50-19 victory against Australia at Eden Park. Mex breaks down the physical performance, loose forward depth, and what needs to improve before the second test in Sydney.

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New Zealand Jordie Barrett during the All Blacks v Australia, Bledisloe Cup, international test match, Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, 10 October 2026. (Photo by Aaron Gillions / Alphapix)

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Martin Devlin looks at where the All Blacks actually stand heading into the second Bledisloe Cup test in Sydney. While the second half performance at Eden Park was outstanding, Marty breaks down why South Africa remains the benchmark and why fans have every right to question preparations and standards.

IMAGE CREDIT:

Dave Rennie during the All Blacks v Australia, Bledisloe Cup, international test match, Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, 10 October 2026. (Photo by Aaron Gillions / Alphapix)

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Martin, John, and Watto jump into the studio to dissect the All Blacks' dominant win against Australia at Eden Park. Watto addresses his comments from last week, the panel breaks down Scott Barrett's physical return, and we look ahead to what needs fixing before the second test in Sydney.

IMAGE CREDIT:

New Zealand Scott Barrett during the All Blacks v Australia, Bledisloe Cup, international test match, Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, 10 October 2026. (Photo by Aaron Gillions / Alphapix)

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Tony Johnson joins Martin Devlin to postmortem the All Blacks' 33-5 second-half surge against the Wallabies at Eden Park. We break down the clinical performance, praise Andrew Brace's refereeing, address hip drop tackles, and preview the upcoming NPC semi-finals.

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Times Online rugby writer Chris Jones joins Martin Devlin to break down the All Blacks' dominant 33-5 second half performance against the Wallabies at Eden Park. We discuss the team's relentless intensity, the return of Scott Barrett, and how tough lessons from South Africa are paying off.

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The selections raised eyebrows. The preparation came under scrutiny. Then the All Blacks put 50 points on Australia. Time to reconsider?

Martin Devlin, Jamie Wall and former All Black Ant Strachan return with their morning-after verdict on New Zealand’s 50–19 Bledisloe Cup win at Eden Park.

Ant explains why Damian McKenzie, Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor answered his concerns, while Jamie brings insight from the post-match press conferences. Plus, Tana Umaga’s blunt warning to the players, why an emphatic victory still earns seven out of 10, and the injury updates shaping selection for Sydney.

A nigh...

The All Blacks put 50 on Australia and retain the Bledisloe Cup. A win worth celebrating, but how much does it tell us?

Martin Devlin and Aotearoa Rugby Pod’s Ross Karl deliver their immediate post-match verdict, with Jamie Wall reporting from Eden Park.

Cam Roigard puts on a clinic, Damian McKenzie delivers at No.10 and the Barrett brothers stand tall. We break down the second-half demolition, Wallace Sititi’s return to form and the questions that remain around the high ball, breakdown and lineout.

Are the All Blacks making real progress after the Spri...

Martin Devlin and Jamie Wall jump back into the studio for a massive mailbag episode on DSPN. We confront the growing fan backlash surrounding head coach Dave Rennie following three consecutive test match losses. The team breaks down the pressure on the All Blacks to defend their 42-year Eden Park record against a confident Wallabies side.

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All Blacks Beauden Barrett during the All Blacks v Lions match, Rugbys Greatest Rivalry, Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday, 25 August 2026. (Photo by Nic Bothma / action press)

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CODE Sports journalist Jamie Pandaram joins us to break down the Wallabies ahead of Bledisloe One at Eden Park. We discuss why Australian fans remain optimistic, how Les Kiss has injected genuine spark into the squad, and the tactical areas where Australia will look to rattle the All Blacks.

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All Black legend John Afoa joins Martin Devlin to celebrate Counties Manukau locking away the Ranfurly Shield for the summer. John breaks down the technical art of scrummaging, the physical mindset needed to dominate set piece, and warns why the Wallabies pose a genuine threat at Eden Park.

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All Blacks Cam Roigard and South Africa Cobus Reinach during the All Blacks v South Africa test match, Rugbys Greatest Rivalry, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, 5 September 2026. (Photo by Nic Bothma / action press)

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Damian McKenzie gets the nod at 10 after Richie Mo’unga’s injury, all three Barrett brothers start and Shannon Frizell returns. Is this the All Blacks team to put the Wallabies away at Eden Park?

Martin Devlin, Nigel Yalden and Jamie Wall break down the Bledisloe Cup selections, the big omissions and the options off the bench. They debate McKenzie’s role, Scott Barrett’s return and what must change after the South Africa tour.

Plus, could Australia spring an ambush, and why Eden Park’s crowd needs to bring the noise.

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Time to reset. With six tests left in the All Blacks season, Martin Devlin breaks down the seven crucial areas our team must address starting with Australia at Eden Park. From accepting the reality of the South Africa losses to fixing the high ball nightmare, returning veterans, and demanding six wins from six to finish the year.

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Dave Rennie during the All Blacks v Sharks, Rugbys Greatest Rivalry Tour, Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban, South Africa, 11 August 2026. (Photo by Shaun Roy / action press)

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NZ Rugby CEO Steve Lancaster joins Martin Devlin and Jamie Wall in studio for an unfiltered interrogation. Steve fronts up on the three consecutive losses to South Africa, the financial reality behind the $66M forecast numbers, and why Dave Rennie remains locked in for the World Cup.

IMAGE CREDIT: General view before the All Blacks v Ireland international test match, Nations Championship 2026, Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, 18 July 2026. (Photo by John Cowpland / action press)

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Martin Devlin, John Day, and Mark Watson return to set the record straight ahead of the Bledisloe Cup at Eden Park. We question whether giving the squad three weeks off after consecutive losses to South Africa was the right move, tackle ongoing issues under the high ball, and demand accountability from the coaching staff.

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)

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Tony Johnson joins Martin Devlin in the studio to preview the upcoming Bledisloe Cup opener at Eden Park. We break down the absolute minimum requirements for the All Blacks after a tough series against South Africa, address the ongoing high ball issues, and look at the squad selection changes heading into Thursday.

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All Blacks Josh Moorby and South Africa Kurt-Lee Arendse during All Blacks v South Africa, Rugbys Greatest Rivalry Tour, Baltimore, USA, 13 September 2026. (Photo by Jack Megaw / action press)

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Jamie Wall and John Day sit down for a special mailbag edition of DSPN. We pay tribute to New Zealand sports journalism legend Phil Gifford following his passing at 79. Plus, we react to Ardie Savea signing a one-year deal with the Blues, address Scott Barrett's reluctant captain label, and answer your burning questions ahead of the Bledisloe Cup opener at Eden Park.

IMAGE CREDIT:

New Zealand Scott Barrett is dejected after losing 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)

Today on the Rugby Roundtable we're breaking down Dave Rennie's 34-man All Blacks squad for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup series. Codie Taylor takes the captaincy with Ardie Savea out injured, while Scott Barrett and Shannon Frizell return to the forward pack. We discuss the selection surprises, the casualty ward, and whether we have the right mix to take down the Wallabies after their shock victory over the Springboks.

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Brenden Nel returns to DSPN to break down the fallout from the Springboks loss to the Wallabies in Perth. We discuss whether making 13 changes backfired on Rassie Erasmus, how South African fans are reacting, and why Brenden believes this loss will only make the world champions stronger in the long run.

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South Africa Rassie Erasmus during All Blacks v South Africa, Rugbys Greatest Rivalry Tour, Baltimore, USA, 13 September 2026. (Photo by Jack Megaw / action press)

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Stan Sport’s Sean Maloney joins us after an unbelievable night of test footy in Perth. We break down the Wallabies' 42-38 victory over the Springboks, praising Ryan Lonergan's game management, Len Ikitau's midfield presence, and how Australia held on with just 11 men.

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