The Tigers are on the verge of something pretty special today. Having won 22 straight games at the MCG, one more would see Richmond break Collingwood’s all-time undefeated streak at the ground. This game is a Round 6 rematch, a game Richmond won comfortably by 43-points. Jack Riewoldt, Josh Caddy and Dan Butler combined for 10-goals in that win, and with Jordan de Goey sitting on the sidelines for the Pies, it might be another long day at the office.
The Crusaders ran away with a huge 40-10 victory over the Sharks in last weeks Quarter-Finals, and with home field advantage once again, it’s hard not to back the Christchurch based club. The Hurricanes have won three of their last five against the Crusaders, but they come in at long odds this afternoon. Don’t look now, but the Crusaders are 10-0 at home when they enter as the head-to-head favourite, and although this game could be as close as their Round 15 encounter, the Crusaders should see themselves through to another Final.
The Storm travel back home this week on the back of a hard fought win against the Warriors in New Zealand. In case you haven’t heard, Melbourne have won seven straight, and although this Raiders side is capable of an upset, their 3-6 record on the road suggests otherwise. The Storm have won five of their last six meetings against the Raiders, and as we’ve seen in recent weeks, Melbourne’s ability to drain the life out of opposing teams defensively makes them the firm premiership favourites for a reason.