DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network

The first All Blacks starting lineup of the season is officially locked in, and Jamie Wall joins Marty live from Christchurch to unpack the mailbag. We tackle the massive debate surrounding Ruben Love getting his first international start at first-five, analyze why Luke Jacobson got the nod over a dominant Du'Plessis Kirifi, and look into a major milestone conspiracy dividing local fans.

IMAGE CREDIT:

Luke Jacobson during a training session, Christchurch, New Zealand, 29 June 2026. (Photo by John Cowpland / action press)

Will Jordan during a training session, Christchurch, New Zealand, 02 July 2026. (Photo by John Cowpland / action press)

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Martin Devlin is joined by Nigel Yalden and Jamie Wall live in Christchurch ahead of the All Blacks’ opening Nations Championship Test against France.

The trio break down Dave Rennie’s first All Blacks team, the big selection calls and the pressure on Ruben Love to make the No. 10 jersey his own.

They also ask whether this new coaching group can get more from a familiar group of players than the previous regime managed, and what a successful first performance under Rennie should actually look like.

With six Test matches across the weekend, there is plenty to preview, including the other key Nations Championship clashes and the Rugby Championship teams in action.

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All Blacks halfback and 123-game Chiefs legend Brad Weber steps into the DSPN studio for a masterclass on the technical mechanics behind Dave Rennie's tactical setup ahead of the opening French test.

IMAGE CREDIT:

All Blacks XV Brad Weber speaks at an interview after the match between New Zealand XV and Japan XV in the Lipovitan-D Rugby Challenge Cup, Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo, Japan, Saturday , July 08, 2023. (Photo by Toru Hanai / action press)

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The highly anticipated international test season is officially here, and our expert roundtable is completely divided. Mark Watson and John Day join Marty for a fiery debate ahead of the All Blacks' blockbuster opening test against France in Christchurch. We lock horns over the No.10 starting jersey, break down the massive selection fallout over Ethan de Groot’s match fitness, and preview a sensational weekend of international Nations Championship footy.IMAGE CREDIT:All Black Ruben Love kicks the ball during the Wales v All Blacks match, Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Saturday, 22 November 2025. (Photo by Anthony Upton / action press)

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We are live from the boundary lines at Christ's College in Christchurch for day two of test week. Newly appointed All Blacks assistant coach Neil Barnes joins us to outline Dave Rennie's "brilliant at basics" forward pack blueprints and fires back at the media narrative surrounding France's touring squad. Plus, first-five Damian McKenzie joins us at his old stomping ground to detail his mental reset and address the backfield selection wars.

IMAGE CREDIT:

Chiefs Xavier Roe, left, Damian McKenzie, centre, and Kyren Taumoefolau after losing during the Hurricanes v Chiefs, Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final match, Hnry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand. Saturday, 20 June 2026, (Photo by Stringer / action press)

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