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Last Updated: Wednesday, 23 January 2008, 17:48 GMT
Edwards keen to keep Welsh flair
Shaun Edwards
Edwards earned his reputation with his aggressive defensive style
New defence coach Shaun Edwards says he has no intention of curbing Wales' tradition for playing attacking rugby.

Edwards has been recruited by new coach Warren Gatland on a part-time basis to solidify Wales' brittle defence.

And the 40-year-old revealed he has spoken to leading members of the 1970s Wales teams, who said their flair was supplemented by a "rock-solid defence".

"We all remember their tries but we forget the hard work that went behind it," Edwards told BBC Radio Wales.

"I spoke to Gareth Edwards, John Taylor and Clive Rowlands and it was really enlightening for me.

"We all look back at the great Welsh teams of the 1970s and remember the sweeping, attacking moves.

606: DEBATE

"But everyone of the team I spoke to said that it was built on a rock-solid defence."

Edwards earned his reputation as a no-nonsense coach with his aggressive defensive tactics with Heineken Cup champions Wasps.

And he said his first priority was to stop Wales leaking unnecessary scores.

"In the last couple of games we have conceded approaching 40 points," he said. "You don't have to be Einstein to work out it is going to be very difficult to win the game.

"People say 'will you become a defensive-minded team?' We will when the opposition have the ball.

"But when we have the ball, we will be an attack-minded team."



SEE ALSO
Edwards dismisses Wales job fears
15 Jan 08 |  Rugby Union
The tests facing Gatland
09 Nov 07 |  Welsh


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