The team and individual defensive statistics make impressive reading and it the aggressive Welsh defence that has provided the platform for the side to reach the last-four for the first time in 24 years.
And Edwards is delighted that the hard work put in by the squad has paid off.
“The defence has been really pleasing,” said Edwards.
“A lot of aspects go into making a defensive system, understanding the individual roles, courage and fitness for example but in the end what is sticking out at the moment is the quality of our tackling.
“People are realising how important defence is to a team and putting more and more emphasis on it.
“This squad has come together in quite a short space of time and improved rapidly.
“But it has not been an accident that they have improved, it’s all been down to hard work, strength of character and a lot of work on the training paddock.
“What we have tried to do throughout competition is improve with every game and this weekend is no different and we would like to think we will be more accurate on Saturday and up the intensity which we will have to do as it’s a semi-final
Wales’ opponents at Eden Park, France beat England in the quarter-finals but have had mixed fortunes throughout the tournament. Edwards though is fully aware of the French threat, but does believe Wales need to ‘help themselves’ on Saturday.
“In the past part of our problem against France is us harming ourselves,” he added.
“In 2009 we gave them two interceptions, in Paris we had that charge down, so first and foremost if France do get points against us they have to earn them.
“A focus for us defensively is not to hurt ourselves.
“We are obviously looking at France closely and their 8 – 9 combination is vital for them. They are two impressive, very intelligent players that we will have to watch out for.
“The game is 50/50, it was 2008 when we last beat them, but our form is better going into the game, its going to come down to which sides performs on the day and the best side will win.
“But for us, the players and the squad are really excited, this is a really big stage and it’s so much better than being on the plane home!”
