In years gone by, a specialist lock was generally a bit more 'nimble' on his feet than the 2nd rowers. A lot of lock forwards were smaller in stature than the other forwards. A lot of this was to do with the fact that defence following the scrum was of high importance. The lock would break away from the scrum and have to cover in defence against opposition 5/8th's and centres. Locks and hookers were specialist positions because scrums played an important part in any game. These days, scrums are an excuse for the players to have a bit of a 'breather' for a minute.
Aiton is not big enough to be a lock in the modern game. He has the skills and attributes to make it as a hooker or half back. Gower and Lewis are the only players that have the class to play 5/8th at first grade level. Lewis will be needed in the centres, as we have no one else to play there. Gower therefore must go to #6. Trindall, Wallace and Sammut may all be suitable replacements in the halves to cover for injuries with a reshuffle between Gower, Aiton and Priddis.
