DSPN - RUGBY

Former All Blacks coach Ian Foster joins Martin Devlin on the DSPN, to chat about his new book Leading Under Pressure - a raw, reflective look back at his turbulent tenure in charge of the New Zealand national side from 2020 to 2023. Foster opens up on the heartbreak of the World Cup final loss, the relentless public pressure, and how his family bore the brunt of the criticism. He talks candidly about support from others including Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton, and the lack of support from New Zealand Rugby during the darkest moments. Foster shares thoughts on his successor Scott Robertson’s time so far, and doubles down on keeping top players in New Zealand. Light-hearted moments also pop up, including his pre-coaching radio career.

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

Instagram: @martindevlin_dspn

TikTok: @martindevlin_dspn

YouTube: @DevlinSportsPodcastNetwork

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to episode 101 of the DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network...

• Tony Johnson is back to run his eye over the first All Blacks squad of 2025, alongside host Martin Devlin. Who are the winners and losers? Are there enough loose forwards? Is this side good enough to beat the French? Spoiler alert - likely.
• Former Broncos, Cowboys and Warriors outside back Brent Tate talks NRL, with a mammoth game for the Warriors coming up against the Broncos in Brisbane.
• Matt Gunn is as POSITIVE AS CAN BE about the NRL - including the Warriors, the Bulldogs, the current top four, and the chances a team ranked five to eight wins the premiership.

All that and much more!

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

Instagram: @martindevlin_dspn

TikTok: @martindevlin_dspn

YouTube: @DevlinSportsPodcastNetwork

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this lively post-final debrief, DSPN host Martin Devlin and Sky Sport rugby commentator Tony Johnson dissect the Crusaders’ gritty 16-12 Super Rugby Pacific win over the Chiefs. TJ insists the Chiefs didn’t choke, they just got their oxygen supply cut off! The Crusaders’ defensive DNA, home-ground muscle, and big-game smarts proved the difference. Marty tips his hat to Clayton McMillan’s Chiefs for restoring their mana, but laments their inability to close the deal - again. The pair also look back on a season packed with Aussie surprises, fast-paced footy, and referees finally letting games breathe.

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

Instagram: @martindevlin_dspn

TikTok: @martindevlin_dspn

YouTube: @DevlinSportsPodcastNetwork

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to episode 100 of the DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network...

• It's a BIG recap of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific final, that saw the Crusaders beat the Chiefs 16-12 in Christchurch. Sky Sport rugby commentator Tony Johnson is first up reviewing the contest.
• Former All Blacks, Chiefs and Waikato lock Steve Gordon offers a perspective from the losing team.
• Marty and young producer Lachlan Waugh breeze through a Super Rugy-centric Tight 5.
• Geoff Parkes from The Roar in Melbourne gives an Australian take on the result, whether or not the right team won, and what it means for Aussie rugby.

All that and much more!

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

Instagram: @martindevlin_dspn

TikTok: @martindevlin_dspn

YouTube: @DevlinSportsPodcastNetwork

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a very special interview on the DSPN, host Martin Devlin catches up with former All Blacks and Crusaders captain, and ex Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder, who recently guided his Brave Lupus to back-to-back Japanese League one titles. The pair dive into the form of Richie Mo'unga - who plays for Blackadder - with the coach convinced Mo'unga is still All Blacks material. Blackadder reflects on coaching lessons from his Crusaders days, including heartbreaking 2014 final defeat to the Waratahs, and the value of learning from losses. The pair preview Saturday’s Crusaders-Chiefs Super Rugby Pacific final, weighing up discipline, territory, and the power of set piece. Blackadder also backs the idea of a global club competition and shares a nostalgic nod to the Christchurch stadium’s swansong.

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

Instagram: @martindevlin_dspn

TikTok: @martindevlin_dspn

YouTube: @DevlinSportsPodcastNetwork

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to episode 99 of the DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network...

• Sir Graham Lowe - winning Queensland Origin coach in 1991 - reviews game two in Perth, which was won by the Maroons over New South Wales 26-24.
• Former All Black and ex Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder previews this weekend's Super Rugby Pacific final, while also looking back on his title win with Brave Lupus in Japan's Rugby League One competition.
• Greg Martin gloats about the Queensland Origin victory, while also talking the Super Rugby final and the 2025 British and Irish Lions series.

All that and much more!

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

Instagram: @martindevlin_dspn

TikTok: @martindevlin_dspn

YouTube: @DevlinSportsPodcastNetwork

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

DSPN host Martin Devlin welcomes back New Zealand rugby icon and former broadcaster Murray Mexted, as they attack this weekend's Super Rugby Pacific final between the crusaders and Chiefs in Christchurch. Mex is tipping the Chiefs to win, citing their superior firepower, highlighted by Shaun Stevenson, Emoni Narawa, and Damian McKenzie. While the Crusaders showed classic grit against the Blues, Mex questions their attacking threats beyond Will Jordan. He believes modern rugby is attack-driven, and the Chiefs are more likely to rack up points. The pair also touch on Scott Barrett likely being named All Blacks captain, praising his leadership and close bond with coach Scott Robertson. A nostalgic moment sees them recall Jonah Lomu’s legendary four-try performance in the 1995 Rugby World Cup semifinals. Mexted finishes by saying the Crusaders are gutsy, but this time the Chiefs have too many weapons.

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

Instagram: @martindevlin_dspn

TikTok: @martindevlin_dspn

YouTube: @DevlinSportsPodcastNetwork

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to episode 98 of the DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network...

• Legendary All Blacks loose forward and former rugby commentator Murray Mexted looks ahead to the Super Rugby Pacific final between the Crusaders and Chiefs in Christchurch. Mex still isn't sold on the Crusaders, and favours the Waikato-based franchise for the victory.
• Marty and young producer Lachlan Waugh discuss five separate sporting topics on the Tight 5, including the All Blacks team naming next week, and Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge banning cowbells for the Super final.
• Iain Payten from the Sydney Morning Herald offers an Aussie perspective on the Super Rugby decider, and chats the upcoming British and Irish Lions Tour, which - more or less - begins this weekend.
• Matt Gunn from Twizel is POSITIVE about State of Origin, the Bulldogs and Warriors, and hoar frosts.

All that and much more!

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

Instagram: @martindevlin_dspn

TikTok: @martindevlin_dspn

YouTube: @DevlinSportsPodcastNetwork

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this lively post-Test Championship debrief, DSPN host Martin Devlin welcomes cricket expert Rahul Patil onto the podcast, as they dissect South Africa's five-wicket win in the final at Lord's. Marty and Rahul revel in the Proteas' fairytale triumph, making gleeful digs at the Aussies' win-at-all-costs attitude. Rahul shines a light on South Africa’s emotional journey - from heartbreaks past to ultimate redemption. The pair unpack Aiden Markram’s monk-like composure, Temba Bavuma’s leadership, and why the win meant so much. They also lament poor batting techniques shaped by Twenty20 cricket and question the scheduling of the WTC Final straight after the IPL. With the Ashes looming and Australia ageing, Marty and Rahul also wonder - has the Aussie aura finally cracked?

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

Instagram: @martindevlin_dspn

TikTok: @martindevlin_dspn

YouTube: @DevlinSportsPodcastNetwork

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Johnson is back on the DSPN, and he joins host Martin Devlin to review the Super Rugby Pacific semifinals. They dissect the Crusaders’ heroic defensive stand against the Blues - 203 tackles, 38 phases defended - and the red and blacks' legendary 31–0 home playoff record. Meanwhile, the Chiefs steamrolled the Brumbies, with Damian McKenzie starring and the bench making a huge impact. TJ and Marty discuss McKenzie's brilliance, and the Chiefs’ hunger to farewell coach Clayton McMillan in style. TJ highlights the crucial role of discipline, especially given the yellow card carnage from the 2023 final that hurt the Chiefs. They wrap by predicting a nail-biter final in Christchurch.

After all that, Marty and TJ work through their most memorable Super Rugby finals, listing the 10 greatest deciders of all-time. Where does the infamous Craig Joubert decision in 2014 sit? Does the 2007 final get enough love?

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

Instagram: @martindevlin_dspn

TikTok: @martindevlin_dspn

YouTube: @DevlinSportsPodcastNetwork

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices