DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network

Tony Johnson joins Martin to unpack an action packed opening weekend of NPC rugby. We dive into Canterbury taking down Auckland at the new Christchurch stadium, Richie Mo'unga scoring the clutch winning try, and Hawke's Bay putting on a show against Wellington.

IMAGE CREDIT:

Canterbury Richie Mo'unga during the Canterbury v Auckland, NPC Match, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand, Saturday, 1 August 2026. (Photo by Martin Hunter / action press)

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Martin Devlin and Tony Johnson sit down to play selectors and build a potential All Blacks lineup for the tour opener against the Stormers. They break down key rotation strategies, evaluates player fitness, and discusses how Dave Rennie will balance fresh talent with core starters across the opening weeks

IMAGE CREDIT:

Beauden Barrett 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)

New Zealand Fabian Holland during the All Blacks v France Lipovitan-D July Series, FMG Stadium, Hamilton, New Zealand, Saturday, 19 July 2025. (Photo by Blake Armstrong / action press)

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Veteran rugby journalist Chris Jones joins Martin Devlin to break down the upcoming All Blacks tour of South Africa. Chris lays out why home advantage and squad depth give the Springboks the edge, what Dave Rennie can learn from the four-test series, and why this tour feels just like a Lions campaign for New Zealand.

IMAGE CREDIT:

Dave Rennie during the captains run, Henry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand, 10 July 2026. (Photo by John Cowpland / action press)

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)

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We are wading through a massive pile of mailbag feedback as the All Blacks prepare to fly out to South Africa. Martin Devlin and Jamie Wall debate the decision to rest Ardie Savea for the opening week, look back at the legacy and goal-kicking perfection of Grant Fox, and ask if coaches are actually using artificial intelligence to pick their test lineups.

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Former All Blacks coach John Hart joins Marty in the studio to reflect on the legendary 1996 tour of South Africa. 30 years after making history as the first New Zealand side to win a test series in the Republic, John breaks down the groundbreaking logistics, player management, and brutal test matches that defined a new era of professional rugby.

IMAGE CREDIT:

Sean Fitzpatrick and John Hart after a match. All Blacks v South Africa, New Zealand Tour of South Africa, 1996. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

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