With Ailton off so early in the game we would have been in big trouble without Burrow in the side. The splendid and crucial Moon try would not have happened without Burrow and his back up and assist pass for the JP special was a turning point in the match. So his contribution was more than "decent" ok he made an error but so did MOM Sinny and Hardaker too but they all can be allowed the odd mistake given how well they played.



Pity you couldn't honour your promise

He played well, had a decent game and a few big touches. I have no trouble admitting that at all.



The injury was unlucky and gave Burrow big minutes at hooker which he isn't suited to.it seems to really slow us down, this time it was necessary.normally it isn't.



I think the mistake and the slowness / needing Sinny, McGuire and others help out at DH detracts enough to say he had a great or fantastic game. Hence my saying he had a decent game etc.

Still wriggling out of word eating promise I see!

burrow was instrumental in the try but he slows the game down massively when he is at hooker

No we wouldn't have been in trouble. He was one of our best players in that good opening period for us. Granted he wouldn't do the same things Burrow manages....but Burrow can't manage the same things Aiton can do from the hooking role.



Would we have scored that Moon try with Aiton on instead....no, but we might've scored a different try that came from Aiton's influence. Would having Aiton on defending in the middle stop the break Walmsley made for the first Saints try?



I do think Burrow played well, BUT at the same time we did miss having Aiton out there at times as the game wore on.

I agree regarding your point regarding Ailton thought he was very good. I am not sure the comparison with burrow was what the OP was getting at though. I read it as losing Aiton so early it was good we had burrow to come on. I personally prefer the team with Aiton at hooker but burrow had a good game

Exactly. The point was aimed at those who would not have picked Burrow on the bench. Wake up at the back Printer.

Had Burrow not been selected on the bench we might not have won though!

Could have would have might have....nobody will know.



There is no doubt without Aiton we lose that incredible 'go forward' ....and of course that steely defence. However i think Burrow still has a more than useful addition coming off the bench as many have said for quite a few years now - myself included. He certainly has that dynamic potentially game changing ability. i.e. an ideal excellent what you need on the bench player.

i have to say McDermott is largely getting his selections right this year. A little strange that Keinhorst got selected ahead of Singleton but whereas before i was quick to criticise i now tend to default to the opinion McDermott must have had a good reason.

69% more people watched yesterdays semi on the beeb, compared to last year...

Can't have done. Friday night isn't prime time TV

Joel Moon was at his slippery best on Friday night. Quality.