“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
