I dare say we already have our replacement 9 signed. GH let the cat out of the bag on this one a while back through his second media department (YEP) and that won't have been done by mistake.

And I dare say it's a name that's not been mentioned on this thread cos that's just how we seem to operate!

It actually feels just like 2005 with this news. I think some still underestimate the contribution he has made to how well we play.

I wish i shared Juan's optimism about Burrow being a more than capable replacement, but i just don't see any of the skills that have made Aiton a success this year in Burrow's game. In tandem they work well with Aiton doing the "hard graft", fierce defense and getting the forwards rolling up the pitch then Burrow bringing his darting runs against a tired defense. With Aiton out, every player will have to up their defense whilst Burrow is on the pitch. You cant get away from the fact that he is a passenger in defense!

Aiton easy chucks in 30/40 tackles a game. Those tackles still need making.

Exactly....as others have said Aiton has been massively under-rated by some as to what he has brought to the team. I too wish i could remain optimistic but it does smack of 2005 ...exciting rugby only to slowly fizzle to a season of no trophies.

I will now be satisfied if the team does just indeed settle on trying to win the CC: now in itself alone a much bigger ask.