"We have seven weeks to get together to play a team that has been together for almost seven years," said Edwards.
"It's the biggest thing I've ever been a part of in my coaching career. We know the Springboks are a very good side and they have huge depth in quality with great experience, speed and power from 1-15."
Edwards realises the task at hand and was left frustrated after seeing the Lions try-line breached on three occasions by a makeshift Royal XV in the opening game last Saturday.
"The one thing we know for sure is that we aren't going to win a Test series if we let in three tries a game against the Springboks," said Edwards.
"The players are just an extension of me really. If they miss a tackle I'm with them in spirit and body. I'm just like a player who has a bad game when I see my team concede tries - it hurts," he added.
The British Lions tackle the Golden Lions in Johannesburg this afternoon in their second match of the tour. The home side has a sprinkling of talented players with Springbok flyhalf Andre Pretorius a particular threat.
Meanwhile Springboks coach Peter de Villiers has announced a 28-man squad for the Test series which includes uncapped Blue Bulls fly half Morne Steyn and Lions No 10 Earl Rose.
Springbok Squad:
Forwards:
John Smit - Sharks - Captain
Victor Matfield - Vodacom Blue Bulls - Vice-Captain
Andries Bekker - Vodacom Western Province
Bakkies Botha - Vodacom Blue Bulls
Schalk Burger - Vodacom Western Province
Deon Carstens - Sharks
Bismarck du Plessis - Sharks
Ryan Kankowski - Sharks
Tendai Mtawarira - Sharks
Chiliboy Ralepelle - Vodacom Blue Bulls
Danie Rossouw - Vodacom Blue Bulls
Juan Smith - Vodacom Cheetahs
Pierre Spies - Vodacom Blue Bulls
Gurthrö Steenkamp - Vodacom Blue Bulls
Backs:
Jean de Villiers - Vodacom Western Province
Fourie du Preez - Vodacom Blue Bulls
Jaque Fourie - Xerox Lions
Bryan Habana - Vodacom Blue Bulls
Adi Jacobs - Sharks
Ricky Januarie - Vodacom Western Province
Odwa Ndungane - Sharks
Jongi Nokwe - Vodacom Cheetahs
Wynand Olivier - Vodacom Blue Bulls
Ruan Pienaar - Sharks
JP Pietersen - Sharks
Earl Rose - Xerox Lions
Frans Steyn - Sharks
Morné Steyn - Vodacom Blue Bulls
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Newsroom
Edwards up for 'ultimate challenge'
3 June 2009 11:24
By
Huw Evans Picture Agency
Lions defensive coach Shaun Edwards has described the forthcoming three-Test series against world champions South Africa as 'the ultimate rugby challenge.'
WRU TV
22 Sep 16
The Half a Game initiative is currently sweeping across Wales and proving a major success. The scheme aims to give every young player at least half a game every weekend. WRU TV recently visited a festival in Narberth where clubs have fully embraced the initiative.
20 Sep 16
Nantymoel, Ogmore Vale and Pontycymer senior rugby clubs have joined forces to grow Valley Ravens minis and juniors and provide more playing opportunities for youngsters in the area
17 Sep 16
Both Bargoed and Swansea were seeking their first win of the Principality Premiership season this afternoon. It proved a fruitful day for the hosts - not only did they win, but Bargoed claimed a try bonus point.
16 Sep 16
Cardiff managed to keep their unbeaten record at home intact, but only just as Bridgend made them work extremely hard before the Blue and Blacks secured a hard fought Principality Premiership win at the BT Sport Arms Park last night.
15 Sep 16
Former Wales back row Andy Powell gives a guided tour of The Wern, home of Merthyr RFC, who are determined to prove a lot of people wrong and make their mark in their first season in the Principality Premiership.
13 Sep 16
WRU TV looks back to Saturday where Merthyr claimed their second win on the bounce with a hard fought Principality Premiership victory against Cardiff at The Wern.
12 Sep 16
Both Newport and Bedwas were hoping to record their first win of the season at Rodney Parade in the Principality Premiership on Saturday but it was the visitors who came away with the spoils.
12 Sep 16
Wales Sevens head coach Gareth Williams looks back on the Rio Sevens success where he helped GB win silver. He believes the successful campaign is a huge boost to his Welsh squad as they prepare for another World Series, as WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie discovers
09 Sep 16
Team mates Jon Davies and Gethin Jenkins are next up for the 5 second challenge.
08 Sep 16
The Llanelli Warriors have been named the winner of the Ability Rugby International Participation Championship, and are a shining example of how rugby can unite entire communities.
07 Sep 16
British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland will be heading back home to take on the All Blacks next year where for him, success for 2017 is all about going to New Zealand and winning a Test Series.
02 Sep 16
Last week all roads led to Eugene Cross Park where defending champions Ebbw Vale hosted this season's launch of the Principality Premiership. WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie was there to capture the thoughts of Damien Hudd, captain of Ebbw Vale, and WRU Head of Performance, Geraint John.
01 Sep 16
Llandovery made it three in a row when they defeated Aberavon in the final of the National Foster's 7s at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park on Sunday. On another eventful day of sevens, Newport claimed the Plate and the Dragons won the women's crown
30 Aug 16
Last week saw Cardiff welcome players from around the world for the 21st Golden Oldies Festival. The tournament features players over 35 years of age, and this year's event saw a select few represent the WRU in a 'friendly' against the Wooden Spoon.
25 Aug 16
Olympic silver medallist Sam Cross has challenged all the Principality Premiership players competing at the National Foster's 7s on Sunday to grab the opportunity with both hands.
22 Aug 16
Wales Under 18 captain Callum Bradbury is delighted to have seen his side claim a narrow 18-17 victory against a strong SA Schools 'A' side to end the three-match Under 19 International Series in South Africa on a high note.
18 Aug 16
The Wales U18 squad spent an emotional day in the drug-riddled townnship of Hout Bay. Hout Bay Warriors President Fred Johannes said the visit was 'the talk of the town' and will dream about the day everyday for the rest of his life.
17 Aug 16
RGC 1404's new head coach Mark Jones is hoping to build 'something special' in north Wales and is already looking forward to the development region participating in the Principality Premiership for the very first time.
17 Aug 16
Wales Under 18 attack coach Danny Milton reflects on his sides 41-15 victory against a tough Italy outfit in the International Under 19 series being held in South Africa.
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