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.

IMAGE CREDIT:

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.

IMAGE CREDIT:

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 training session, Sydney, Australia, 15 October 2026. (Photo by John Cowpland / Alphapix)

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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.

IMAGE CREDIT:

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.

IMAGE CREDIT:

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.

IMAGE CREDIT:

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 team headshots session at Forsyth Barr Stadium on February 05, 2021 in Dunedin, New Zealand.

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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.

IMAGE CREDIT:

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 / action press)

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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.

IMAGE CREDIT:

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.

IMAGE CREDIT:

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 Barrett & Father Time 24:44 Tamati Williams — gone through hell 28:34 The kicking game — "it's a difficult art" 31:20 Don't forget about the All Blacks 33:32 The biggest challenge is rugby league 37:54 Grassroots & club rugby 42:05 Loose forward depth 49:20 Selection philosophy — pick the best player 52:06 How Graham became an All Blacks selector 54:24 The state of the game — "this is boring" 56:35 Player safety & yellow cards 58:08 Warriors supporter

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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.

IMAGE CREDIT:

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 hear from Dave Rennie on backing his attacking approach all the way to the World Cup.

Plus, growing depth, the need for a Plan B and why rugby needs more clarity around TMO interventions.

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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 has progressed.

Fourteen tries across two Tests against Australia. Are the All Blacks back on track, or will the northern tour tell the real story?

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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.

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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 perspective.

One big win is a start. Now the All Blacks need to do it again.

Join our rugby community for more: plus.rova.nz or text DSPN to 3598.

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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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