I think it was Jake Spedding (on loan from Saints?) TBF i think he would have skinned most people, the guy was lightening. Oakes hasn't let anyone down defensively so i'll count it as a one off.
Been impressed with Oakes so far so it was a surprise to see someone go around him a couple of times. I’m sure it’ll get picked up on video so it would be a useful experience for him to learn how to deal with an opponent with real pace. Oakes’s strengths seem to be his power and his step off the left foot. He’s a decent pass too and can get his winger away. I’d like to see him work on his fend as in the centres with a bit of space this can buy you valuable time and space. All the best centres I’ve seen had a good hand off (Hanley, Iro, Newlove etc, even Keith Lulia had a good one).
Haven't seen anybody complain about Oakes defence thos season until now. Was it Oakes or was it Caro?
Could it be a case of not knowing his wingman?
It was Oakes. He's been absolutely fine so far which was why I brought it up. It was in the second half when we were struggling a bit. Sheffield move the ball wide quick and he went past Oakes twice quite easily. Worth checking again when the game goes online (hopefully).
Not concerned with Oakes' defence in regards to those 2 tries. First one we simply numbered up badly, team issue. Second one he did get outpaced but he'd been pulled in by mis-numbering again and Spedding had a start on him. Had Caro stayed on his wingman the cover and/or full back could have taken the centre. That's my opinions anyway. Overall not too concerned.
Looking at that again it's more of a misread on the first try, Oakes got dragged in when Leon should have been taking that man. The second try was down to a lack of numbers and slow line speed, he got caught a bit flat footed and allowed Spedding to get on his outside. That said Caro really should have put the winger into the stand.
So not really down to a lack of pace just a couple of bad reads. That Spedding is quick.