DSPN - RUGBY

Former All Blacks coach John Hart joins Marty in the studio to reflect on the legendary 1996 tour of South Africa. 30 years after making history as the first New Zealand side to win a test series in the Republic, John breaks down the groundbreaking logistics, player management, and brutal test matches that defined a new era of professional rugby.

Sean Fitzpatrick and John Hart after a match. All Blacks v South Africa, New Zealand Tour of South Africa, 1996. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

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Martin Devlin sits down with John Day and Mark Watson for the Rugby Roundtable to dissect Dave Rennie’s forty-four man All Blacks squad heading to South Africa. The boys debate resting skipper Ardie Savea until the first test, question carrying only three halfbacks, and evaluate whether this group has the physical power to roll the Springboks.

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Former All Black halfback Ant Strachan joins Martin Devlin to break down Dave Rennie's 44-man squad for the tour of South Africa. We dive into the decision to take only three halfbacks, look at the physical options selected in the loose forwards, and ask if this squad has what it takes to beat the Springboks on home soil.

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We are joined by three All Blacks players courtesy of All Blacks Travel and Hospitality right before they board the plane to South Africa. Luke Jacobson, Quinn Tupaea and Simon Parker break down building momentum through the Nations Championship block, taking on the world champion Springboks, and learning off-field lessons from the historic 1996 touring side.

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The 44-man All Blacks squad for South Africa has been revealed.

Martin Devlin is joined by Tony Johnson to analyse the bolters, returning stars and surprise omissions. They examine the recalls of Rieko Ioane, Ethan Blackadder and Emoni Narawa, the three new caps, the lack of a fourth halfback and whether Josh Jacomb’s selection changes the picture for Richie Mo’unga.

Jamie Wall also joins from All Blacks HQ as the team considers what these selections reveal about Dave Rennie’s plan for taking on the Springboks. Follow DSPN for full coverage throughout the tour.

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We are digging straight into the mailbag as the Springboks drop their squad to face Argentina and the All Blacks. Jamie Wall & Martin Devlin break down Rassie Erasmus’s squad choices, evaluate flyhalf depth between Handrè Pollard, Manie Libbok, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and take subscriber questions on the final ten players joining our squad for South Africa.

IMAGE CREDIT:

All Blacks Will Jordan try during the All Blacks v France international test match, Nations Championship 2026, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand, 04 July 2026. (Photo by Martin Hunter / action press)

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We wrap up the opening block of the Nations Championship with Australian journalists Brett McKay and Christy Doran. Martin challenges the claim that Joe Schmidt leaves the Wallabies in a better position. We debate weird team selections, the transition to Les Kiss, and South Africa's terrifying dominance.

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International flyhalf and former All Black Lima Sopoaga joins Martin Devlin and Jamie Wall on the DSPN for a wide-ranging, insider discussion on test rugby, team culture, and the All Blacks upcoming tour to South Africa.

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Dave Rennie is adding ten players to complete the All Blacks squad heading to South Africa. Martin, Mark, and John drop their picks for those final spots, debating forward pack depth, backline cover, and whether there is room for senior returns. Here is our breakdown of who earns a ticket on the plane for the greatest rivalry tour.

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We look back at a massive test match at Eden Park as the All Blacks beat Ireland 40 to 21. All Black legend Murray Mexted joins Martin Devlin to break down Dave Rennie's tactical setup, the selection of Tupou Vaa'i at six, and why winning the possession battle was the secret to dominating the Irish.

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