DSPN - RUGBY

South African rugby writer Brenden Nel joins Martin Devlin on the DSPN, for a comprehensive preview of the 2025 Rugby Championship, with a distinct Springbok flavour. Brenden offers insight into his nation's preparation, squad depth, and mindset ahead of facing Australia this weekend and, soon after, the All Blacks. Brenden and Marty discuss Rassie Erasmus’ tactical planning, evolving game style, and the importance South Africa places on defending their title - something they’ve never done before. He touches on selection debates, the value of building depth before the next Rugby World Cup, and why the All Blacks remain the ultimate measuring stick.

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Ahead of the All Blacks’ Rugby Championship opener against the Pumas in Córdoba, Martin Devlin chats with Argentine rugby journalist Frankie Deges. The pair discuss the state of both teams, the atmosphere in the host city, and the bigger picture for Southern Hemisphere rugby. Deges shares his thoughts on the tournament’s competitiveness, Argentina’s ambitions, and the significance of this year’s matches. They also touch on the changing landscape of the international calendar and what it could mean for the game.

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Kiwi rugby reporter Jamie Wall joins Martin Devlin on the DSPN for a wide-ranging rugby chat, covering Super Rugby Pacific’s 2026 “super round” and the pros and cons of its structure. Jamie backs the concept but warns against mixing party vibes with Anzac Day commemorations. In the NPC, the pair work through key storylines across the first two rounds, including Leicester Fainga'anuku's recent performance for Tasman, and Auckland's exciting attack despite two opening losses. The pair then preview the Rugby Championship - the Springboks play the Wallabies and Pumas face the All Blacks in the opening weekend. Jamie believes the All Blacks’ underdog status adds intrigue, with South Africa the ultimate test.

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On the DSPN, Martin Devlin delivers a sermon the N Z Warriors losing ANOTHER game - their third in a row and fifth in seven - going down to the Canterbury Bulldogs 32-14 in the NRL. Is the top four dream over? Could this team be in danger of slipping out of the top six?

Then, Marty and ex Warriors coach Tony Kemp dive into the club's worrying slide, with their once-comfortable finals buffer now under threat. Kempy reflects on injuries, the mental and physical toll of the season, and the dangers of relying too heavily on missing players like Mitch Barnett. He warns that current form won’t cut it against determined sides like the Dragons, who are finding momentum. Both agree the only focus now should be securing a win on Friday night - ugly or not - to keep the finals push alive and restore confidence.

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On the DSPN today, Martin Devlin joins the All Blacks press conference to speak with coach Scott Robertson, asking a couple of questions around the importance of the 2025 Rugby Championship for New Zealand, and whether or not it is more important to win the two South African tests than the tournament itself.

Marty then works through questions asked by other members of the media scrum, which includes DSPN's very own John Day, who covers off Simon Parker, Kyle Preston, and Razor's famous match-winning try versus Argentina in 2001.

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Tony Johnson joins Martin Devlin on the DSPN to preview a wide-open Rugby Championship, highlighting South Africa as clear favourites. But there's certainly hope for New Zealand, Australia and Argentina, who are all capable of toppling the back-to-back World Cup winners. TJ stresses that the Eden Park clash between the All Blacks and Springboks could decide the title.

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Sky Sport rugby commentator Tony Johnson joins Martin Devlin on the DSPN, to run through his predicted All Blacks lineup to face Argentina in the opening weekend of the Rugby Championship. New Zealand is on the road against the Pumas, playing in the northern city of Córdoba. TJ believes Codie Taylor is a lock at hooker, he reckons the ABs selectors will go for a familiar looking face at blindside, and expects one of the country's brightest talents to return to the loose forward trio. The halves? They 'pick themselves', while tried and trusted players will prevail when it comes to the midfield and outside backs.

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On the DSPN today, Martin Devlin first pays tribute to New Zealand sailing icon Peter Lester, who has sadly passed away aged 70.

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Marty's Mailbag is back! Every week on the DSPN, Martin Devlin and young producer Lachlan Waugh work through comments from viewers and listeners on the YouTube channel, and discuss/answer/applaud/criticise them as best they can.

This week, they talk about Richie Mo'unga's return to New Zealand in 2026, and his likely inclusion in the All Blacks once eligible. They also cover off the Lions series, Springboks rugby, and more.

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Australian rugby legend Tim Horan joins Martin Devlin on the DSPN, to reflect on a whirlwind British & Irish Lions tour downunder, and what it means for the Wallabies moving forward. From the energy in the stands to the emotion on the field, Horan shares insights on the state of Australian rugby, its key players, and the growing pride in the gold jersey. He also weighs in on the upcoming Rugby Championship, including Australia's daunting trip to South Africa, and gives his take on Richie Mo'unga returning to New Zealand Rugby in 2026.

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