DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network

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

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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.

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