Shaun Edwards: No contact over Lions role, says Wales defence coach

Shaun Edwards played Rugby League for Wigan, England and Great Britain

Shaun Edwards says he has had no contact with British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland over a role on next summer's tour of New Zealand.

Wales defence coach Edwards missed out on the 2013 tour when Gatland took then-England defence coach Andy Farrell to Australia.

"It depends what Warren decides . . . it's everyone's ambition to go on a British and Irish Lions tour," he said.

"All I think about is trying to keep the number of tries down every game."

Asked if he had been contacted about the role, Edward added: "No contact."

Gatland is taking a break from his role as Wales coach to lead the Lions against the Al Blacks.

After accepting his share of responsibility for Wales' 32-8 defeat by Australia in their opening autumn international, Edwards said he was pleased with the improvement shown in the 24-20 win against Argentina.

"I was delighted with the defence," he said.

"I gave them a 17-20 point target and they did that."

Under Edwards, Wales built a formidable reputation as a defensive force - conceding only two tries on their way to the 2008 Six Nations Grand Slam and just three when they won the same tournament in 2013.

But the former rugby league international believes the game has changed to the point where that is no longer feasible.

"I think in the modern day game with so many tries being scored if you can keep a team to 20 points and under there's a pretty good chance you're going to win, and fortunately I was right," he added.

"The days of going four and half games without conceding a try or going through the Six Nations conceding two tries - personally I think that's long gone now.

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"Tries are being scored everywhere - Ireland conceded four tries against the All Blacks and still won the game.

"It's the way the game is going now and I don't think it's a bad thing either."

Wales conceded 26 tries in five tests before Saturday's win against the Pumas who twice crossed the hosts' line.

They face Japan in Cardiff on Saturday, who lost heavily to Argentina a week before before beating Georgia 28-22 on Saturday.