Defending in the modern game is all about structure and zones it's not as easy as it used to be and just make sure you tackle your man . Which is the reason teams have defensive coaches and study other teams attacking structures. It's all about preparation and being professional

It is incredibly hard to defend in modern rugby, having to make split second decisions, which if the targeted fall guy defending player reads either a dummy pass or runner wrong it's try time. Though watching the NRL sides produce a master class in defensive structure proves that it can be made to look very easy, which is very frustrating watching Wakefield at times.

I thought Johnstones one on one in the friendly against Cas was quite poor. That said Ryan Hall was not much better on Sunday night.

As I said it's a partnership.
Good wingers, just the same as good fullbacks manage the defensive line.

You can't just absolve him of all blame.

Personally I prefer the winger to stay on their wing no matter what. If the guy in field does lose his position, it's more likely to be recovered from centre than if you have to run past the winger making the tackle.
But that's just me and I never played wing in my life.

Like I said, at least twice on this thread above, I'm not saying Johnstone is a weak tackler, I just think putting Hall next to him, who IS a lazy tackler, is going to make a bad partnership in defence, when right now, that's our best asset.

I'm looking forward to seeing how England goes against his old team mates, a lot at wire thought him and Chris hill was best partnership. Simms seems to struggling, I'm hoping he holds his own.

Couldn't agree more. That is also my concern.

No excuses tomorrow Salford only had 4 days and nearly beat Wigan

Are you for real ? Wigan who had half a day more after playing Brisbane Broncos
Do not compare 5 day to 12 day turnaround difference with that

Hi Anthony, we've missed you posting on the wire board.

Wigan didn't play last weekend they did the same as me Sat back and admired

I'm afraid if Hall plays inside him he may have to hold his hand!
Seriously, this winger defensive problem is not new at Wakefield is it? Peter Fox (and Ben Cockayne) came in for unfair criticism on here during his time with us because the centres weren't there. Does the winger come inside or stay on his wing? like someone else says he can't win can he? What can be said is that it isn't the wingers fault that suddenly he's left with a three man overlap against him!