"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
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
13 Apr 18
As both Cardiff Blues and Ospreys target automatic qualification for next year's EPCR Champions Cup, the significance of their already much anticipated Judgement Day VI clash later this month is growing exponentially.
WRU
13 Apr 18
Brynmawr, with former Ebbw Vale stalwart Damien Hudd at the helm, fought their way to the WRU Plate final after a titanic struggle with Nelson at Llanharan
WRU
10 Apr 18
Players and fans alike were jumping for joy at the final whistle when Porthcawl edged out Abercwmboi in the WRU semi-final held at Taffs Well, to earn a spot in the final to be held at Principality Stadium.
WRU
08 Apr 18
Cardiff Arms Park was the venue for the second round of the U18 Six Nations festival where there was plenty of action and thrills and spills.
Roland Mercer
27 Mar 18
Justin Tipuric and Hallam Amos are looking forward to their return to sevens after being named for Team Wales' assignment in the Commonwealth Games where they will be chasing a gold medal.
Roland Mercer
26 Mar 18
Wales Sevens stalwart Adam Thomas is delighted to be handed the captaincy as Team Wales prepare to chase medal glory in the Commonwealth Games
Roland Mercer
17 Mar 18
Second row Cory Hill is a relieved man after Wales secured a gritty 14-13 victory against France at Principality Stadium in the final round of the NatWest 6 Nations
16 Mar 18
Having signed a national dual contract earlier in the week, Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones will be hoping for a double celebration by leading his country to second place in the NatWest 6 Nations when coming up against France in the final round.
16 Mar 18
Captain PhilipaTuttiett and Olympic Games star Jasmine Joyce discuss next month's Commonwealth Games along with coach Nick Wakley
16 Mar 18
Tomas Francis gets the rare chance of successive starts for Wales when they tackle France in the final round of the NatWest 6 Nations at Principality Stadium
13 Mar 18
We take a look back to round four of the NatWest 6 Nations where Wales hosted Italy at Principality Stadium
13 Mar 18
Watch highlights from round four of the NatWest 6 Nations where Wales marched to second in the points table after a comfortable victory against Italy.
12 Mar 18
WRU TV takes a look back to the first game of the double-header staged at Principality Stadium where Italy Women proved party poopers for Wales in the fourth round of the Women's Six Nations.
11 Mar 18
George North inched closer to Shane Williams record of 22 tries in the Six Nations, his brace taking him to third on the list with Gareth Edwards (18) now in his sights. He looks back on a job well done by Wales.
10 Mar 18
Taulupe Faletau is looking forward to his first game as Wales captain where he will play alongside debutant James Davies in a fresh looking back row against Italy in the NatWest 6 Nations tomorrow afternoon in Cardiff
08 Mar 18
No 8 Ross Moriarty recalls his memories of when he played in the Six Nations championship for the first time, when he came on as a replacement against Italy and scored two tries.
07 Mar 18
Head coach Warren Gatland has handed 'world-class' Taulupe Faletau the captaincy for Wales' clash against Italy on Sunday, and believes it is an opportunity for Wales to get even 'more out of him in terms of leadership qualities'
07 Mar 18
Scarlets and Wales centre Jonathan Davies visited Llandough School last week to meet a pupil who had won a poetry competition to surprise her mam with Wales v Italy tickets.
06 Mar 18
The Wales squad reported back into camp this morning ahead of Sunday's vital NatWest 6 Nations encounter against Italy. Assistant coach Neil Jenkins says the return of Taulupe Faletau is a big plus for the team.
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