DSPN - RUGBY

Welcome to episode 97 of the DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network...

• Sky Sport rugby commentator Tony Johnson is back in the DSPN studio, reviewing the Super Rugby Pacific semifinals, that saw the Crusaders and Chiefs both win, and set-up a repeat of the 2023 decider.
• Marty and young producer Lachlan Waugh take on the Tight 5 once again, where they dissect and debate five separate sporting topics. They talk about the likes of Kiwi cricketer Finn Allen's monstrous knock, Shane van Gisbergen winning in NASCAR, and Auckland City's 10-0 loss to Bayern Munich in the FIFA Club World Cup.
• Tony is back to list the 10 most memorable Super Rugby finals alongside Marty. They talk about the 2007 all-South African nail-biter, the famous fog final, Craig Joubert's contentious call in 2014, and more.

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

On the DSPN, host Martin Devlin and young producer Lachlan Waugh are back playing their favourite game - What Has More Chance Of Happening? - and no one is safe. From Super Rugby Pacific semifinal predictions, to NRL mayhem and even a bit of golf snobbery, it’s a full-throttle sports chat. Lachie reckons the Blues have the goods to upset the Crusaders. And the Brumbies? Marty doesn't give them much of a chance at all. Over in the NRL, the Titans are a mess (on and off the field), and the Knights are… well, confusing. Golf-wise, Scheffler’s the king, Rory’s in post-Masters therapy, and Ryan Fox might just sneak into the US Open top 10. Formula One gets a drive-by too, with Lachie admitting full-blown Liam Lawson fatigue thanks to the New Zealand media.

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

On the DSPN, Martin Devlin is joined by RNZ rugby reporter Jamie Wall, to dive headfirst into the ultimate bar-room rugby debate - the greatest Super Rugby teams of all time. Martin rattles off his top five, including the 1998–2000 Crusaders, the Bulls dynasty (2007–2010), and that ruthless 2012–13 Chiefs outfit. Jamie, while bravely setting aside his anti-Crusaders bias, throws in wildcards like the 2014 Waratahs and the near-miss Lions of 2016-2018. He passionately defends the early-2000s Hurricanes, citing a backline stacked with legends like Christian Cullen, Jonah Lomu, and Tana Umaga. They both agree on the greatness of the perfect 13-0 2002 Crusaders and the emotionally-charged 2011 side post-earthquake. The chat wraps with a preview of this weekend's semifinals between the Crusaders and Blues, and Chiefs and Brumbies.

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 96 of the DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network...

• Martin Devlin kicks things off delivering a lengthy sermon about outgoing New Zealand Rugby CEO Mark Robinson. Marty describes Robinson as a lovely person who is likable and easy to get along with, but when it comes to his ability to lead NZ's biggest sporting body, he has been a failure.
• RNZ rugby reporter Jamie Wall previews the Super Rugby Pacific semifinals. More importantly though, he and Marty list their greatest EVER Super Rugby teams. Where does the 1996-97 Blues side rate? Can Jamie and Marty squeeze in a Hurricanes team?
• Greg Martin - former Wallabies fullback and currently a Triple M breakfast radio host in Brisbane - previews the Super Rugby weekend ahead, while touching on the NRL, swimming with crocodiles, and renovating his daughter's house.

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 heartfelt interview, DSPN host Martin Devlin is joined by All Blacks icon Murray Mexted to firstly reflect on the life and times of Stu Wilson, who earlier this week died aged 70. Mex, a long-time friend and teammate, recalls sharing a coffee and a laugh with Wilson just hours before his death, describing him as positive, and larger than life. Mex and Marty reflect on Wilson’s extraordinary rugby career, his elusive brilliance on the wing, uncanny anticipation, and game-changing presence. Then, the pair discuss the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs with a focus on the Blues and Crusaders' recent wins, and the semifinals coming up. Mex and Marty also touch on the All Blacks loose forwards and who they think should be starting at 6, 7 and 8 when the test season begins.

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

Richie Barnett - former Kiwis captain, and a man who once worse the Sydney Roosters and Cronulla Sharks strips - joins DSPN host Martin Devlin, to reflect on the Warriors’ stunning rise in 2025. Their NRL campaign started with a huge defeat to the Canberra Raiders, but since the Mount Smart club has garnered a 10-3 record and sits comfortably inside the NRL top four. Richie praises the squad’s identity, leadership, and consistency, highlighting halfback Luke Metcalf’s growth and the spine’s improvement. Richie also flags the importance of squad health heading into the finals in a few months' time, and with a six-point gap to fifth, the top four dream is looking very real. As well as that, Richie and Marty chat the Warriors' supposed soft draw, and share admiration for coach Andrew Webster.

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 95 of the DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network...

• Richie Barnett - former Kiwis captain, and a man who played for the Sydney Roosters and Cronulla Sharks - is back on the DSPN, reviewing the Warriors' 40-10 win over Cronulla. How have the Warriors' fortunes in the NRL changed so much since the last time Richie was on the pod after round one?
• Marty and young producer Lachlan Waugh play a game of NRL Glass Half Full, where they discuss a handful of clubs and assess where their seasons are at. The two even have time for a bit of State of Origin chatter
• The iconic Murray Mexted reflects on the life - on and off the field - of fellow ex All Black and a close friend Stu Wilson.

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

Longtime Sky Sport rugby commentator Tony Johnson joins DSPN host Martin Devlin, for a heartfelt tribute to All Blacks great Stu Wilson, reflecting on his legacy as a trailblazing winger, a charismatic personality, and a beloved TV presence. They share memories of Wilson’s flair on and off the field, his iconic tries, and his influence on how the position is played. Then, the duo pivot into Super Rugby Pacific playoffs chat, praising the Crusaders' ruthless demolition of the Reds, and the Blues' gritty, attitude-fueled upset over the Chiefs. Tony and Marty also debate the fairness of the finals format and assess the Brumbies’ underdog credentials.

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 94 of the DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network...

• Sky Sport rugby commentator Tony Johnson is back to review the first week of Super Rugby Pacific finals for 2025. Before TJ and Marty rip into the results, they pay tribute to former All Black Stu Wilson, who has died aged 70.
• Marty and Lachlan gather 'round the debating table for the Tight 5, where they discuss five separate sporting topics - including Ryan Fox's win in Canada and the Warriors winning yet again - and apply their unique opinions on all.
• Wallabies great David Campese remembers Wilson, and shares special memories he had with his old rugby rival.
• Brett McKay - co-host of the 8-9 Combo Rugby Podcast - offers an Australian perspective on Super 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

On the DSPN, Zane The Warriorholic joins host Lachlan Waugh to break down the Warriors’ gritty rise in 2025. They have a 9-3 record on the NRL season, and travel across the ditch to face the Cronulla Sharks this weekend. Zane and Lachie talk about Mitch Barnett’s injury, the squad’s forward depth, and Jackson Ford’s transformation into a top-tier bench weapon. Zane reckons this year’s success is no fluke, with a rock-solid culture, high completion rates, and a “next man up” mentality that’s built to last. They also question whether there was an overreaction to the losses of Shaun Johnson and Tohu Harris - among others - ahead of the season.

Then, the boys hand out midseason report cards, starting with surprise packages like the Wahs and the Raiders (finally consistent!). The disappointments? Lachlan’s Broncos top the list, with Zane gleefully piling on. Melbourne also cops a serve despite their ladder spot, with both agreeing the Storm haven’t lived up to expectations. All of 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