DSPN - RUGBY

Halfway through Super Rugby Pacific, we’ve done what rugby fans love doing most: picked a team and invited the arguments. Jamie Wall joins us to name a pure form XV after eight rounds. Not an All Blacks side, not a projected test squad, just the players who’ve been the best in their positions so far.

That means big calls, a few uncomfortable omissions, and plenty of names right on the edge. We get into a front row that practically picks itself, a locking debate that’s suddenly full of depth, a loose forward mix with real bite, and the first-five conversation that still refuses to sit still. There’s also plenty on Cam Roigard, Jordie Barrett, Tupou Vaa’i, Will Jordan and the midfield pairing that might finally give the All Blacks some proper continuity.

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The DSPN crew is back to tear into the absolute mess that was the Super Rugby Easter schedule. Martin, Mark, and John don't hold back on the "lame" excuses from the board and why the fans deserve better. Plus, we look at Shannon Frizell’s return, the looming battle for the All Blacks midfield, and why referees need to stop trying to coach the players during the game.

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Martin and Jeff the Ref are back to break down a strange weekend of Super Rugby Pacific. With only three games on the slate, there was still plenty of drama to dissect, from cynical yellow cards to massive hits that tested the laws. Jeff explains why the Crusaders were pinged for slowing the ball and debates whether rugby needs to take a leaf out of league’s book when it comes to intercepts.

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Super Rugby Pacific hits the halfway mark and, honestly, it still feels like the comp is making it up as it goes. We get Sean Maloney and Brett McKay on with us to make sense of the Easter schedule, the state of the Australian teams, and whether anyone can actually stop another New Zealand side winning the title.

We get into the Brumbies’ case as Australia’s best hope, why the Reds are still so hard to trust, and whether the Force just saved their season. There’s also a look at the Chiefs, the Blues, the Hurricanes, and that ongoing obsession with finding the right halfback and first-five combinations.

It’s sharp, funny, a little chaotic, and full of proper rugby chat from both sides of the Tasman.

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Super Rugby gave us only three games over Easter, but there was still plenty to get stuck into. On this episode, Martin and Tony Johnson unpack why the competition missed a trick with the long weekend schedule, then dive into the biggest talking points from round eight.

We get into Codie Taylor’s ridiculous 150th game celebration, why the Chiefs made a real statement, and what the Force’s win over the Reds says about the Aussie sides right now. There’s also some love for the skill level on show, a look at how open this comp still feels, and a proper build-up to what already feels like a season-shaping Hurricanes vs Blues clash on Saturday night.

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What actually makes the All Blacks successful? It is not just what happens on the field.

Martin Devlin sits down with former All Blacks manager Darren Shand for a rare, deep dive into what really drives performance at the highest level. From leadership and culture to the importance of the “team behind the team,” Shand breaks down the ecosystem that powered one of the most dominant eras in rugby history.

We also get into pressure, legacy, player ownership, and what it takes to build an environment where players thrive. It is honest, insightful and packed with lessons that go well beyond rugby.

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All Black legend Beauden Barrett joins Martin to talk about the "deep feeling of hurt" that’s driving him toward the 2027 World Cup. He opens up about the "unsettling" coaching changes within the All Blacks, his new life as a father of three, and why he’s not ready to head offshore just yet.

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We are diving deep into the mailbag this week as Martin and Lachlan tackle the big questions in New Zealand rugby. From the "swimming" tactics in the mall to the mental dread of facing a sixth-placed Crusaders side in the playoffs, no stone is left unturned. We also look at the All Blacks' need for individual upskilling and the structural challenges facing Moana Pasifika.

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We are halfway through the Super Rugby season, and there is plenty to celebrate. From the All Whites’ historic win over Chile to the emergence of Ruben Love, Martin, John, and Mark, break down the standout performers. We also dive into the tricky future of Moana Pacifica and debate who should lead the All Blacks as captain this year.

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Who should captain the All Blacks right now? It sounds simple, but once you start pulling at the thread, it gets complicated pretty quickly.

We get stuck into the big leadership debate, with Ardie Savea widely tipped as the front-runner. But is it that clear cut? Martin, Jamie and Lachlan break down the cases for Scott Barrett, Codie Taylor and even Jordie Barrett, looking at what actually matters in a modern captain.

From on-field decision making to leadership groups, media responsibilities and even the social media question, we cover the lot. There’s also a proper look at whether captaincy elevates a player or risks dragging their game down, plus why timing, form and perception all play a bigger role than we probably admit.

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