DSPN -RUGBY

Time to reset. With six tests left in the All Blacks season, Martin Devlin breaks down the seven crucial areas our team must address starting with Australia at Eden Park. From accepting the reality of the South Africa losses to fixing the high ball nightmare, returning veterans, and demanding six wins from six to finish the year.

IMAGE CREDIT:

Dave Rennie during the All Blacks v Sharks, Rugbys Greatest Rivalry Tour, Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban, South Africa, 11 August 2026. (Photo by Shaun Roy / action press)

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NZ Rugby CEO Steve Lancaster joins Martin Devlin and Jamie Wall in studio for an unfiltered interrogation. Steve fronts up on the three consecutive losses to South Africa, the financial reality behind the $66M forecast numbers, and why Dave Rennie remains locked in for the World Cup.

IMAGE CREDIT:
General view before the All Blacks v Ireland international test match, Nations Championship 2026, Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, 18 July 2026. (Photo by John Cowpland / action press)

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Martin Devlin, John Day, and Mark Watson return to set the record straight ahead of the Bledisloe Cup at Eden Park. We question whether giving the squad three weeks off after consecutive losses to South Africa was the right move, tackle ongoing issues under the high ball, and demand accountability from the coaching staff.

IMAGE CREDIT:

Dave Rennie during the All Blacks v France international test match, Nations Championship 2026, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand, 04 July 2026. (Photo by Aaron Gillions / action press)

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Tony Johnson joins Martin Devlin in the studio to preview the upcoming Bledisloe Cup opener at Eden Park. We break down the absolute minimum requirements for the All Blacks after a tough series against South Africa, address the ongoing high ball issues, and look at the squad selection changes heading into Thursday.

IMAGE CREDIT:

All Blacks Josh Moorby and South Africa Kurt-Lee Arendse during All Blacks v South Africa, Rugbys Greatest Rivalry Tour, Baltimore, USA, 13 September 2026. (Photo by Jack Megaw / action press)

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Jamie Wall and John Day sit down for a special mailbag edition of DSPN. We pay tribute to New Zealand sports journalism legend Phil Gifford following his passing at 79. Plus, we react to Ardie Savea signing a one-year deal with the Blues, address Scott Barrett's reluctant captain label, and answer your burning questions ahead of the Bledisloe Cup opener at Eden Park.

IMAGE CREDIT:

New Zealand Scott Barrett is dejected after losing during the All Blacks v South Africa, Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship Test, Wellington, New Zealand, Saturday, 13 September 2025. (Photo by Aaron Gillions / action press)

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