DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network

We wrap up the opening block of the Nations Championship with Australian journalists Brett McKay and Christy Doran. Martin challenges the claim that Joe Schmidt leaves the Wallabies in a better position. We debate weird team selections, the transition to Les Kiss, and South Africa's terrifying dominance.

IMAGE CREDIT: Joe Schmidt during the All Blacks v Australia, Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship, Bledisloe Cup Test, Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, Saturday, 27 September 2025. (Photo by Aaron Gillions / action press)

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International flyhalf and former All Black Lima Sopoaga joins Martin Devlin and Jamie Wall on the DSPN for a wide-ranging, insider discussion on test rugby, team culture, and the All Blacks upcoming tour to South Africa.

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Dave Rennie is adding ten players to complete the All Blacks squad heading to South Africa. Martin, Mark, and John drop their picks for those final spots, debating forward pack depth, backline cover, and whether there is room for senior returns. Here is our breakdown of who earns a ticket on the plane for the greatest rivalry tour.

IMAGE CREDIT:

Du’Plessis Kirifi during the All Blacks v South Africa, Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship Test, New Zealand, Saturday, 06 September 2025. (Photo by Blake Armstrong / action press)

New Zealand Rieko Ioane 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 Blacks Richie Mo'unga during the opening match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup between New Zealand and France at the Stade de France, Paris, France, Friday, September 08, 2023 (Photo by Lynne Cameron / action press)

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We look back at a massive test match at Eden Park as the All Blacks beat Ireland 40 to 21. All Black legend Murray Mexted joins Martin Devlin to break down Dave Rennie's tactical setup, the selection of Tupou Vaa'i at six, and why winning the possession battle was the secret to dominating the Irish.

IMAGE CREDIT:

All Blacks Tupou Vaa’i during the All Blacks v Ireland international test match, Nations Championship 2026, Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, 18 July 2026. (Photo by Aaron Gillions / action press)

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Watto is back from China and joining Martin and John in the studio as the Rugby Round Table reviews a huge night for the All Blacks at Eden Park. The team puts the three Nations Championship tests under the microscope to see if Dave Rennie's squad has truly has what it takes to beat the Springboks.

IMAGE CREDIT:

All Blacks Luke Jacobson during the All Blacks v Ireland international test match, Nations Championship 2026, Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, 18 July 2026. (Photo by Aaron Gillions / action press)

All Blacks Josh Moorby during the All Blacks v Ireland international test match, Nations Championship 2026, Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, 18 July 2026. (Photo by Aaron Gillions / action press)

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