DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network

It’s grand final week, and the Rugby Roundtable is fired up. John Day and Mark Watson join the show to pick a winner in the blockbusting Hurricanes vs Chiefs decider. We debate whether the Chiefs can break their four-final losing curse, analyze why the Blues' defensive system completely imploded down the stretch, and lock horns over whether Beauden Barrett a spot in Monday’s All Blacks squad announcement.

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)

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The two absolute best teams have made the grand final, and Sky Sport's Tony Johnson joins Marty to unpack a sensational weekend of semifinal results. We dive into the massive debate surrounding Cam Roigard's controversial "sportsmanship" try against the Blues, analyze Damian McKenzie’s masterclass performance against the Crusaders, and look ahead to the ultimate selection showdown in Wellington.

IMAGE CREDIT:

Crusaders Manumaua Letiu and Leicester Fainga'anuku are dejected during the Chiefs v Crusaders, Super Rugby Pacific Semi Final match, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Friday, 12 June 2026, (Photo by Aaron Gillions / action press)

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We are locking into a massive breakdown on the state of the women's global game. New Zealand Rugby’s Hannah Porter joins the desk to address the worrying pipeline leak between high school and senior women's rugby. We talk handling England’s club-dominated model, the radical 15-week shift for Super Rugby Aupiki, and an historic double-header in Johannesburg.

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The Chiefs are into another Super Rugby final after a massive semi-final win over the Crusaders in Hamilton.

Jamie Wall was there for DSPN as the Chiefs produced a stunning first half, putting 40-plus points on the Crusaders and defending with serious grit after the break. Jono Gibbes praised his side’s problem-solving under pressure, while Tupou Vaa’i called the performance “bloody awesome” after the Chiefs kept a dangerous Crusaders side to just 12 points.

Jamie and Nigel Yalden break down the biggest talking points from FMG Stadium Waikato, including the Chiefs’ explosive attack, their injury concerns, Rob Penney’s final game with the Crusaders, and whether the Chiefs can finally break their finals curse next week.

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We are digging straight into the million-dollar question regarding the health of global rugby pathways. Irish rugby journalist Caolán Scully joins Jamie to explode the myths surrounding Ireland's central contracting model. We track the financial squeeze forcing James Lowe to Japan, rate Clayton McMillan’s tough debut season at Munster, and explain why the All Blacks hold the ultimate psychological edge.

IMAGE CREDIT:

Hurricanes Jordie Barrett during the Hurricanes v Brumbies, Super Rugby Pacific match, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand. Saturday, 25 April 2026. (Photo by Martin Hunter / action press)

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