DSPN - RUGBY

Selecting an All Blacks side always gets people talking, but picking a midweek touring squad for South Africa is a whole different beast. Rugby journalism veteran Nigel Yalden joins Martin Devlin and Jamie Wall to lock in a 15 to face the Stormers. We debate everything from the Richie Mo'unga eligibility drama to the wide-open race for the number six and thirteen jerseys.

Image Credit: All Blacks Cam Roigard during the All Blacks v France Lipovitan-D July Series, Forysth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, New Zealand, Saturday, 05 July 2025. (Photo by Martin Hunter / action press)

All Black Ruben Love celebrates scoring a try during the Wales v All Blacks match, Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Saturday, 22 November 2025. (Photo by Benjamin Gilbert / action press)

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South African Rugby Journalist Brenden Nel joins us to hit back at the inflammatory headlines targeting the back-to-back world champions. From uncovering the true operational logistics behind South Africa's drug testing reduction to breaking down the tragic weights-loss cocktail that sidelined Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Brenden plays open cards on the actual facts.

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Brad Shields joins the DSPN studio to talk about the Hurricanes’ flying season, his incredible global rugby journey, and what it’s really like to navigate life-changing overseas contracts. We dive deep into the brutal physical load of modern Super Rugby, the changing dynamics of team culture, and whether the All Black jersey remains the ultimate motivation for young Kiwi stars.

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We tackle a packed (extra) mailbag following our recent Roundtable debate about Magic Round vs Super Round. Are Warriors fans getting a bit too ahead of themselves, or is the NRL genuinely leaving Super Rugby in the dust? We break down the real TV viewing figures from Sky, look at why Eden Park never looks full, and explain why the All Blacks still sit on a completely different level.

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Our resident whistle-blower Jeff McGregor joins us live from Manila for another unfiltered edition of Jeff the Ref. We break down the absolute head-scratchers from the weekend, including Ben O’Keeffe’s early "freebie" warning, the highly controversial forward pass that gave Fehi Fineanganofo his record-equalling try, and why the current tackle laws are rewarding dangerous play through pure luck of the draw.

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The numbers from the NRL's Magic Round are undeniable, but do they tell the full story? We look beyond the scoreboard to break down the massive divide between Rugby League's organic tribalism and the corporate, polished script of Super Rugby. From the Warriors taking over Brisbane to the cavernous reality of our local grounds, we ask if rugby has simply treated fans with disdain for too long.

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Martin Devlin and Jamie Wall go rapid-fire through six hot takes from the rugby weekend. We break down why the Blues’ shellacking at Eden Park proves they aren't championship material, the heartbreaking Achilles injury to Caleb Tangitau, and why Australian rugby teams are a complete puzzle. Plus, we look at the hype around Zach Lomax and slam a ridiculous bonus point rule in the Northern Hemisphere.

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Sky Sport's Tony Johnson joins Martin Devlin to dissect a seismic Round 14. We drop the analytical hammer on the Blues' defensive collapse and credit the Hurricanes' high-IQ tactical masterclass at Eden Park. Plus, we look at Damian McKenzie's brutal injury protocols, debate the staggering $2,400 cost for a World Cup final seat, and pay tribute to Scottish rugby legend Scott Hastings.

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From titanium plates in jaws to the "river of piss" at Athletic Park, we’re diving into the brutal, messy, and honest side of rugby. We address your feedback on Gilbert Enoka’s return, the ongoing Richie Mo'unga eligibility saga, and why New Zealanders need to stop being so insular about the Northern Hemisphere game. Plus, a radical idea for the Bledisloe Cup.

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The man behind the All Blacks' mental fortitude for over two decades is back. Gilbert Enoka joins us to discuss his return to the management team under Dave Rennie and why leadership is about who you are, not where you sit. We dive into the "No Dickheads" policy, the challenge of winning versus losing environments, and how the All Black jersey remains the ultimate multiplier for talent.

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