DSPN - RUGBY

The Mo'unga debate isn't going away. We dive into the "wide gulf" between Dave Rennie’s plans and New Zealand Rugby’s eligibility rules. Is it time to "push the eject button" on archaic paperwork and pick our best 23 for the most important series in 50 years? Plus, we break down Sir Graham Henry’s return and why Rennie is hunting for "brutality" over Instagram highlights.

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We welcome Irish rugby royalty Bernard Jackman to the show for a proper deep dive into the state of the game. From Rieko Ioane’s positional shift at Leinster to why Super Rugby is falling off the radar in the North, we cover it all. Bernard gives us the inside word on Andy Farrell’s impact and what the All Blacks can expect when Ireland heads south.

Highlanders Timoci Tavatavanawai 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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Jeff McGregor from Web Wonks joins Martin to dissect a controversial weekend of Super Rugby officiating. We’re talking Marcus Playle’s "shocking" night in Brisbane, the Reds’ post-match fury, and why Angus Gardner is setting the standard for referees.

Chiefs George Dyer in action during the Reds v Chiefs, Super Rugby Pacific match, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia. Friday, 8 May 2026, (Photo by Pat Hoelscher / action press)

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The All Blacks management group opened the doors at NZR HQ, and we were there to see what the Dave Rennie era actually looks like. From the shock return of Sir Graham Henry as a selector to the "conundrum" of Richie Mo’unga’s eligibility, there is plenty to unpack. Martin and Jamie break down the injury concerns, the midfield puzzle, and why Brodie Retallick won't be heading to South Africa.

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Leicester Fainga'anuku’s move to flanker has gone from a "roll of the dice" to a genuine tactical revolution. We break down the Crusaders' dominant defensive win over the Blues and discuss why Leicester's hybrid skills make him the ultimate All Black weapon. Plus, we audit the refereeing controversies from Brisbane to Dunedin and look at the Under-20s' gritty draw in South Africa.

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We dive back into the mailbag to tackle the biggest calls in Kiwi sport. Martin and Jamie break down the Ruben Love hype, the "boring" winning culture of Auckland rugby, and why everyone needs to calm down about the All Blacks. Plus, we look at the logistics of Super Round and whether Steve Hansen should start narrating bedtime stories for anxious fans.

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Jamie Wall joins the starting lineup full-time as we tackle a massive Round 13 in Super Rugby. We’re looking at the fallout of Cam Roigard’s "significant" injury and whether the Hurricanes have the depth to stay top. Plus, the horses are returning to Christchurch for a sell-out clash against the Blues. We ask if home euphoria is enough to save the Crusaders' season or if the Blues will shut down the party.

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Rugby legend and dual All Black/England international Jamie Salmon joins Martin to break down the widening gap between the two hemispheres. We dig into why the Top 14 is becoming the world’s powerhouse, the "Erasmus model" for player selection, and whether Super Rugby still prepares Kiwis for the brutality of Test matches. Plus, a look ahead to the ultimate litmus test: the All Blacks' upcoming tour of South Africa.

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Crusaders and All Blacks great Daryl Gibson joins us to celebrate the opening of Christchurch’s new roofed stadium. We dive deep into the state of Super Rugby, why Daryl finds himself watching the Top 14 for excitement, and his bold plan for a "relaxation" of the overseas selection rules. Plus, we talk All Black identity—can the team move away from "copying other nations" and return to the innovative, unstructured rugby that made them famous?

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Martin Devlin and "Jeff the Ref" tackle a weekend of absolute chaos on the grass. We break down the shockers from the Hurricanes and Crusaders clash, from forward passes that weren't called to officials who seemingly forgot the 2026 lineout laws. Plus, Jeff opens up about the dangerous trap of "balancing the ledger" and why coward hits on try-scorers need to go.

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