DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network

The initial reaction was happiness. The morning-after verdict is satisfaction, with a few important warnings.

Martin Devlin and Jamie Wall take a deeper look at the All Blacks’ 40-21 win over Ireland after having time to review the performance and absorb the post-match comments from both teams.

Did the victory settle the midfield debate? Should Ruben Love start at 10 in South Africa? Has Tupou Vaa’i found his position at six? And could Luke Jacobson’s ill-discipline prove far more costly against the Springboks?

The All Blacks are improving, unbeaten and increasingly confident. The question now is whether they are ready for South Africa.
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Six tries, 40 points and a statement victory over Ireland.

Martin Devlin and Jamie Wall react from Eden Park after the All Blacks produced their most complete performance of the July internationals, racing to a 28-7 halftime lead before closing out a convincing 40-21 win.

They discuss the improved defence, Tupou Vaa’i’s successful move to number six, the dominant set piece, the key moments that broke Ireland and what the result means before the All Blacks head to South Africa.

Three matches. Three wins. Is this All Blacks side beginning to click?
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We're digging into the massive listener mailbag before the All Blacks run out against Ireland tomorrow night. Jamie joins Martin to look at the massive front row row, debate the fine margins keeping Wallace Sititi out of the twenty-three, and tear into the static five-minute cameos currently stalling Cortez Ratima.

IMAGE CREDIT:

All Blacks Cortez Ratima during the All Blacks v Italy international test match, Nations Championship 2026, Hnry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand, 11 July 2026. (Photo by Aaron Gillions / action press)

All Blacks Wallace Sititi during the All Blacks v France international test match, Nations Championship 2026, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand, 04 July 2026. (Photo by John Cowpland / action press)

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The All Blacks team to face Ireland at Eden Park has been named, and Martin Devlin, Jamie Wall and Nigel Yalden break down the biggest selection calls.

Tupou Vaa’i starts at blindside flanker, Patrick Tuipulotu plays his first Nations Championship Test, and Josh Moorby is rewarded after an impressive debut.

The panel also debates whether Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea are now the All Blacks’ first-choice midfield, the value of keeping the same 9, 10 and 12 combination for a third straight Test, and the unlucky players still waiting for game time.

Plus, Mex the legend was right.

Has the right team been picked to beat Ireland?

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World-class Irish commentator Bernard Jackman joins Marty to chart Dave Rennie’s structural progress, isolate Sam Prendergast’s defensive vulnerabilities, dissect Jamison Gibson-Park’s high-tempo tactical engine, and preview the brutal ground-and-pound framework arriving in Auckland.

IMAGE CREDIT:

All Blacks Ardie Savea during the All Blacks v Italy international test match, Nations Championship 2026, Hnry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand, 11 July 2026. (Photo by Aaron Gillions / action press)

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