DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network

We are diving straight into the high stakes Super Rugby semifinals. Nigel Yalden joins the studio to break down whether Jono Gibbes has the European experience to push the Chiefs past their final hurdle hurdle. We analyze Damian McKenzie shaking off his head knock, audit the All Black bolter credentials of Isaac Hutchinson, and explain why Friday night's clash with the Crusaders is pure appointment viewing.

IMAGE CREDIT:

Chiefs Damian McKenzie celebrates a try during the Chiefs v Reds, Super Rugby Pacific Qualifying Final match, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Saturday, 6 June 2026, (Photo by Aaron Gillions / action press)

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The Rugby Roundtable is completely locked in for a brutal semifinal weekend. Mark and John join the desk to unveil our 2026 All Black bolters and debate whether Brad Shields deserves the midweek captaincy in South Africa. We pull the rip cord on the absolute collapse of the Blues, expose the structural flaws in the current playoff system, and break down Tony Brown’s massive early appointment.

IMAGE CREDIT:

Highlanders Lucas Casey during the Highlanders v Hurricanes, Super Rugby Pacific match, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand. Friday, 20 March 2026, (Photo by Michael Thomas / action press)

Chiefs Isaac Hutchinson scores a try during the Chiefs v Reds, Super Rugby Pacific Qualifying Final match, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New
Zealand. Saturday, 6 June 2026, (Photo by Aaron Gillions / action press)

Crusaders Jamie Hannah during the Crusaders v Blues, Super Rugby Pacific Qualifying Final match, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand. Saturday, 6 June 2026, (Photo by Martin Hunter / action press)

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The Super Rugby semifinals are here, but unfortunately, every single Australian team is watching from the couch. Australian Rugby Commentator Sean Maloney and Brett McKay of the 8/9 Rugby Podcast join the show for a brutal, no-nonsense reality check on the state of the game across the Tasman. We break down the structural failures of the competition, lineout crises, and the massive international season ahead.

IMAGE CREDIT:

Reds Carter Gordon during the Chiefs v Reds, Super Rugby Pacific Qualifying Final match, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand. Saturday, 6 June 2026, (Photo by Aaron Gillions / action press)

Warratahs Lawson Creighton during the Highlanders v Waratahs, Super Rugby Pacific match, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand. Saturday, 9 May 2026, (Photo by Michael Thomas / action press)

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Martin and Jamie dive into a massive qualifying finals mailbag to address the feedback surrounding Super Rugby CEO Jack Mesley's appearance. We look at the verified data showing double-digit crowd growth across New Zealand stadiums, break down why the All Blacks still outrate the Warriors on Sky, and analyze how to manage Ardie Savea's massive workload.

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We're checking in with one of the real standout stars of the Crusaders as the team heads into a massive knockout clash at Te Kaha. Leicester Faingaʻanuku joins the show to chat about his radical positional shift into the loose forward pack. We look at his stint up north in France, the mental challenge of juggling two completely different positions, and what it takes to stop a dangerous Blues outfit.IMAGE CREDIT: Crusaders Leciester Fainga'anuku during the Reds v Crusaders, Super Rugby Pacific match, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia. Saturday, 11 April 2026, (Photo by Tertius Pickard / action press)Crusaders Leicester Fainga’anuku warms up during the Blues v Crusaders preseason match, Super Rugby Pacific, Onewa Domain, Auckland, New Zealand. Friday, 6 February 2026, (Photo by John Cowpland / action press)

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