DSPN - RUGBY

Former All Black, broadcasting icon, and a lover of all things RUGBY! Murray Mexted is back on the DSPN chatting with Martin Devlin, ahead of this weekend's second test against France in Wellington. The pair dive straight into it, sharing memories of Athletic Park and talking issues around refereeing and the TMO at international level. Mex also dissects the team named for the second clash - he reckons the All Blacks backline is the best he's seen in years, and loves that Billy Proctor has been retained despite the centre's defensive error in the first test. He doesn't quite agree with Christian Lio-Willie's selection, but is stoked Tupou Vaa'i is again picked at blindside flanker. Importantly, Mex and Marty want to see more maniacal passion for the All Blacks, given how significant the team is in New Zealand culture.

Website: rova.nz/podcasts/dspn-devlin-sports-podcast-network

Instagram: @martindevlin_dspn

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Welcome to episode 108 of the DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network...

• All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan joins the podcast for the very first time. He works through the rationale behind changes to the 23 for the second France rugby test, the pursuit of even BETTER set piece play, and how they plan to tackle the tricky weather expected in Wellington.
• Former All Blacks halfback Ant Strachan provides his thoughts on the ABs team named, as well as looking back at their performance in the first test.
• Marty and young producer Lachlan play a game of Glass Half Full - All Blacks style! They look at the team named, and provide optimism - or pessimism - on certain players and positions.

All that and much more!

Website: rova.nz/podcasts/dspn-devlin-sports-podcast-network

Instagram: @martindevlin_dspn

TikTok: @martindevlin_dspn

YouTube: @DevlinSportsPodcastNetwork

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Welcome to episode 107 of the DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network...

• Dean Lonergan - former Kiwis representative and Canberra Raider - reviews the NRL season so far with Marty Devlin, with a focus on the Warriors' strong 2025 campaign.
• Marty and young producer Lachlan gather around the debating table for another edition of the Tight 5, where they dissect and debate five separate sporting topics. Today they cover off the likes of All Blacks captain Scott Barrett's Achilles niggle, and an incredible batting feat achieved in test cricket.
• Matt Gunn is back being POSITIVE on Glass Half Full. He and Marty talk about all sorts of NRL clubs and recent results, including the Doggies' meltdown against Brisbane... that left Gunny feeling a little sad over the weekend.

All that and much more!

Website: rova.nz/podcasts/dspn-devlin-sports-podcast-network

Instagram: @martindevlin_dspn

TikTok: @martindevlin_dspn

YouTube: @DevlinSportsPodcastNetwork

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Welcome to episode 106 of the DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network...

• Tony Johnson sits down for an extended chat, first covering off the All Blacks' 31-27 win over France in Dunedin, to begin their 2025 test season. TJ and Marty unpick all the important parts of the performance from New Zealand, as well as extending plenty of praise to a rotated French side.
• Marty and young producer Lachlan Waugh work through quotes of coach Scott Robertson post-match, and offer their thoughts on a variety of topics covered by Razor including the defence, Sevu Reece's head knock, and the frantic pace the All Blacks played at.
• Brett McKay - co-host of the 8-9 Combo Rugby Pod and writer for RugbyPass - talks Wallabies-Fiji and offers an Aussie perspective on the All Blacks win.
• We wrap up with part two of Marty's chat with TJ, where they recap the Springboks win over Italy and the British & Irish Lions nervy victory over the Waratahs.

All that and much more!

Website: rova.nz/podcasts/dspn-devlin-sports-podcast-network

Instagram: @martindevlin_dspn

TikTok: @martindevlin_dspn

YouTube: @DevlinSportsPodcastNetwork

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All Blacks icon and longtime rugby broadcaster Murray Mexted joins Martin Devlin on the DSPN, to share his satisfaction over the New Zealand side named to play France in the first of three tests on Saturday. Mex says the 23 is "very close" to the team he would have picked. He has long banged the drum for more size, and with the selection of Tupou Vaa'i at blindside flanker and inclusion of debutant Fabian Holland at lock, he reckons the selectors have finally "worked it out". Mex and Marty also talk about the need to physically dominate France, and the importance of snuffing them out of the contest entirely. Mex praises the Jordie Barrett-Billy Proctor midfield combo, reckons Du'Plessis Kirifi and Ardie Savea are the breakdown kings New Zealand needs, and cheekily suggests coach Razor might run the same side next week... if they do the smashing right.

Website: rova.nz/podcasts/dspn-devlin-sports-podcast-network

Instagram: @martindevlin_dspn

TikTok: @martindevlin_dspn

YouTube: @DevlinSportsPodcastNetwork

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Welcome to episode 105 of the DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network...

• Veteran rugby broadcaster Nigel Yalden reviews the first All Blacks matchday side named for 2025 named, with the 23 unveiled today ahead of Saturday's opening test against France. Marty and Nigel work through the main talking points about the squad, including the loose forwards, Beauden Barrett at first-five, Rieko Ioane, and more.
• Marty and young producer Lachlan play a game of Glass Half Full, where they look at certain areas of the ABs team and share how positive (or negative) they are about those positions.
• Greg 'Marto' Martin is BACK talking all sorts of sport and men's things, relevant to blokes on both sides of the Tasman. Marto talks the likes of the Wallabies and Lions Series, the Brisbane Broncos, and strange radio promotions.

All that and much more!

Website: rova.nz/podcasts/dspn-devlin-sports-podcast-network

Instagram: @martindevlin_dspn

TikTok: @martindevlin_dspn

YouTube: @DevlinSportsPodcastNetwork

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Welcome to episode 104 of the DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network...

• Former Warriors half Michael Witt - who also played for the Eels, Sea Eagles and Dragons in the NRL - joins the podcast for the very first time, casting his eye over the Warriors' 26-12 defeat to the Broncos, Luke Metcalf's injury, and the team's push for a top four spot.
• Marty is joined by Matt Gunn - a diehard Bulldogs fan, who is probably the only Aussie to willingly relocate to Twizel - for a game of NRL Glass Half Full. The pair work through a number of teams and recent results, and offer their thoughts.
• Richie Morgan - Warriors diehard based across the ditch, and unofficial leader of Warrior Nation - talks through his endeavours travelling across Australia supporting his favourite team.

All that and much more!

Website: rova.nz/podcasts/dspn-devlin-sports-podcast-network

Instagram: @martindevlin_dspn

TikTok: @martindevlin_dspn

YouTube: @DevlinSportsPodcastNetwork

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Welcome to episode 103 of the DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network...

• Tony Johnson form Sky Sport is back in studio, talking rrruuugggbbbyyy! The All Blacks team to play France is named on Thursday, so TJ and Marty predict who they think SHOULD be picked by coach Scott Robertson. They also cover off some international rugby matches that took place over the weekend.
• Marty and young producer Lachlan Waugh gather in the debating chamber like a couple of squabbling politicians, to discuss five separate sporting topics. They cover the Broncos' win over the Warriors in the NRL, Liam Lawson's best ever finish in a Formula One Grand Prix, and more.
• Christy Doran - Rugby Editor at The Roar in Sydney - covers the British & Irish Lions' 54-7 win over the Western Force, and wider storylines to do with the Lions' tour in Australia.

All that and much more!

Website: rova.nz/podcasts/dspn-devlin-sports-podcast-network

Instagram: @martindevlin_dspn

TikTok: @martindevlin_dspn

YouTube: @DevlinSportsPodcastNetwork

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All Blacks icon and former rugby broadcaster Murray Mexted joins DSPN host Martin Devlin, to review the naming of the first ABs squad of 2025. Mex and Marty zero in on coach Scott Robertson naming only five loose forwards, they question the height and aerial strength of the current group, pointing out how vital it is to win possession - especially against towering northern hemisphere packs. Mex argues for players like Tupou Vaa’i should be trialed more at blindside flanker, and he highlights how rugby "turns men into better men". Mexted also believes Ardie Savea and Luke Jacobson should be considered as opensides. It's classic Murray Mexted - deep rugby insight, a few left-field calls, and plenty of passion.

Website: rova.nz/podcasts/dspn-devlin-sports-podcast-network

Instagram: @martindevlin_dspn

TikTok: @martindevlin_dspn

YouTube: @DevlinSportsPodcastNetwork

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Welcome to episode 102 of the DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network...

• Crusaders coach Rob Penney joins Marty Devlin in a very special interview, talking all about his maiden Super Rugby title as coach of the Crusaders. Penney also chats about bouncing back from a tough 2024, and even admits he is still scarred from what went on last year.
• Marty and young producer Lachlan Waugh present the Tight 5! Where they dissect and debate five different sporting topics. Today's discussion includes the Lions and Barbarians matches on this weekend, and Zoe Hobbs setting another 100 metre record.
• Chris Jones from The Times and RugbyPass talks the British and Irish Lions series, with the first game on Australian soil on Saturday night.

All that and much more!

Website: rova.nz/podcasts/dspn-devlin-sports-podcast-network

Instagram: @martindevlin_dspn

TikTok: @martindevlin_dspn

YouTube: @DevlinSportsPodcastNetwork

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