DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network

It's Roundtable time on DSPN, and we are laying down the 34 names for our All Blacks side. Martin, John Day, and Mark Watson don't fanny around with these three tests, debating the 19-15 forward split and why Dave Rennie needs to see this team under load before facing South Africa. We break down the front row anchors, settle the loose forward mix, and explain why a stint in the northern hemisphere officially proved what New Zealand rugby fans have known for ages about Rieko Ioane.

IMAGE CREDIT:

All Blacks Ethan DeGroot during the match between New Zealand and South Africa in the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, Saturday, July 15, 2023. (Photo by Lynne Cameron / action press)

Hurricanes Fehi Fineanganofo points during the Waratahs v Hurricanes, Super Rugby Pacific match, Allianz Stadium, Sydney, Australia. Friday, 6 March 2026, (Photo by Steven Markham / 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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Let’s be honest, people love to paint a negative picture about crowd sizes, but the numbers tell a very different story. Martin sits down for an exclusive chat with Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley as the competition heads into the finals. We dive into the double-digit attendance growth across New Zealand, how the game outrates the Warriors on Sky, and the ongoing government funding battles for Super Round.

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Jack Mesley Chief Executive Officer of Super Rugby Pacific speaks before presenting Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea his player award during the Hurricanes v Moana Pasifika, Super Rugby Pacific match, Sky Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand. Saturday, 31 May 2025, (Photo by Marty Melville / action press)

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Martin Devlin and resident rule expert Jeff the Ref sit down with a glass of water—or vodka—to dismantle the most glaring officiating moments from the weekend. We call out the complete lack of forward pass calls from assistant referees after 16 rounds of Super Rugby. Plus, we look at reckless head-on-head contact and why warnings need to be completely banned heading into the qualifying finals.

IMAGE CREDIT:

Crusaders Antonio Shalfoon during the Crusaders v Hurricanes, Super Rugby Pacific match, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand. Friday, 29 May 2026 (Photo by Martin Hunter / action press)

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Sky Sport's Tony Johnson joins Marty to break down the three massive qualifying finals this weekend. We tackle the Hurricanes’ strategic "rest vs rust" choices against the Crusaders, break down the Brumbies' horribly inconsistent form since their 50-point statement win, and look into the breaking rumors of a potential lifeline for Moana Pasifika.

IMAGE CREDIT:

Blues Eli Oudenryn during the Chiefs v Blues, Super Rugby Pacific match, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Saturday, 30 May 2026, (Photo by Stringer / action press)

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It’s mailbag time and we are ripping into your hottest takes. We address the terrifying culture of schoolboy steroid use in South Africa and whether those artificial gains actually stick around in adulthood. Plus, we debate the real cost of losing South African franchises, the looming dread of Scott Barrett’s massive injury layout, and a radical hybrid bench strategy that could transform the All Blacks' upcoming tour.

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