How do I perform linked moves such as
the Bane of Saruman?? Whenever I press the
sequence of buttons, the character does a move
as if the enemy was not present in front of him.
Its the same with all 3 characters.

Actually, I think the linked moves are quite useless, expect against strong uruk-hai. They sure are fancy, but many players waste time trying to perform them, and play with style, and because they are so tough for someone, they die.
But listen up: When an Uruk-hai(for example) attacks you, and you block succeesfully, continue up pressing x and r2, but remember the timing.
If you input the commands too fast, you will get knocked down, 'cause when you perform that move incorrectly, you will finish up with a shadow strike, which leaves you COMPLETELY vulneryable for enemy attacks, so be sharp.
Got it?

P.S: I know this is an ANCIENT thread, but felt that answwring MIGHT help.