Martin Devlin
Share
Award-winning New Zealand Sports Broadcaster
Host on the DSPN - Devlin Sports Podcast Network 🏉🏏
I only talk sense (with a hint of nonsense)
16/05/2026
That was a proper statement from the Hurricanes.
47-24 at Eden Park.
And honestly? The scoreline flatters the Blues.
The Canes led 21-0 at halftime and at one stage had this thing blown wide open at 40-7 before the Blues piled on some late tries to make it look more respectable.
Warner Dearns changed the game early with the chargedown try. Jordie Barrett controlled the park. Peter Lakai and Pasilio Tosi battered the Blues through the middle. Ere Enari and Ruben Love kept the tempo humming all night.
And then there was Fehi Fineanganofo.
The Hurricanes winger crossed again to equal the franchise single-season try-scoring record as Wellington’s attack carved the Blues apart repeatedly.
To the Blues’ credit, they didn’t fold completely. AJ Lam, Kurt Eklund and Sam Darry sparked a late push.
But every time Auckland hinted at momentum, the Hurricanes slammed the door shut again.
And fittingly, Lakai crashed over after the siren to restore the Hurricanes’ bonus point and finish the night exactly how it deserved to finish:
With the Canes celebrating.
Right now, the Hurricanes look like the benchmark in Super Rugby Pacific.
Agree or disagree?
Are the Hurricanes now clear title favourites?
And should Blues fans be worried after that first half?
Get into it below 👇
Hot take: should the Bledisloe Cup become a one-off ANZAC Test?
Jamie reckons putting it all on the line in one massive match would give the rivalry the edge it’s been missing and Martin Devlin is into it.
Less clutter. More jeopardy. Australia walking into a knockout-style game believing they can win it.
Would a one-off Bledisloe make it bigger… or would it kill the tradition?
Have your say 👇
15/05/2026
Is Gilbert Enoka the man who can help fix the All Blacks from the inside out?
The All Blacks’ legendary mental skills coach is back and he’s not interested in another post-mortem. He’s looking at standards, leadership, accountability, and whether this group still understands what the jersey demands.
His message is blunt: talent isn’t the issue. The environment is.
So here’s the question: do the All Blacks need a tactical reset, or a cultural one?
Have your say. Full article in the comments👇
14/05/2026
Chiefs and Canes fans… home advantage is right there for the taking. 👀
Round 14 of Super Rugby Pacific is shaping as a massive one, with the Chiefs hunting a seventh straight win against a desperate Highlanders side, while the table-topping Hurricanes head to Eden Park for a blockbuster against the Blues.
Can the Highlanders spoil the party in Hamilton? And can the Blues bounce back, or are the Canes too sharp right now?
Gary Denvir previews the big NZ clashes link below 👇
This is the debate New Zealand rugby keeps coming back to.
Mark Watson says locking out overseas-based players is “utter nonsense” — especially when South Africa has made it work. Jamie Wall pushes back hard: opening eligibility might not strengthen New Zealand rugby, it might encourage more players to leave.
So what are we giving up by picking them?
Would you open the All Blacks eligibility rules, or keep it NZ-based only?
The famous “No Dickheads” policy was never about crushing personality. Gilbert Enoka explains it was about protecting the team from selfishness, bad attitudes, and anyone working against what the group needed.
As Martin Devlin asks - was it about behaviour, or suppressing individualism?
What do you think: is this the key to building a winning culture?
Ted’s back watching closely, and by the sound of it, he’s already done the homework.
Dave Rennie says Ted had a list of around 60 players ready to talk through before they even got going.
That’s not a casual look. That’s obsession with the jersey.
Who should be on that list?
Full chat link in comments
Dave Rennie has given Martin Devlin his view on the Richie Mo’unga call.
Rennie says he would have had Richie in the group, getting across how the team wants to play, with a chance to push for a Test spot.
But with the current criteria, that option is off the table for now.
Big talking point.
Would you have Richie in the squad? Full reaction vid in comments
An ANZAC Test could be back on the calendar next year.
NZ Rugby says the conversation with Rugby Australia is live, with both sides actively looking at whether they can make it happen. The Super clubs are open to it. The Players Association is open to it. All Blacks management is open to it.
So should they bring it back?
Would you want to see the All Blacks take on the Wallabies in an ANZAC Test, or is the rugby calendar already packed enough?
07/05/2026
John Day reckons history is not on the Blues’ side this weekend.
Just one win in their last 20 visits to Christchurch.
So are they actually any chance, or is this Crusaders by plenty?
Link to John’s full preview in the comments.
Big blow for the Hurricanes.
Jamie Wall reckons this is the one injury that could seriously test their depth. They should still be there at the sharp end, but finishing top two and locking in home advantage just got a lot more important.
Link in comments.
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
Category
Contact the public figure
Website
Address
Auckland