Shaun Edwards warns South Africa ahead of Wales clash

Meyer said: “Wales are the in-form team in the Northern Hemisphere. They have been together for a while and have proved they can beat the best. They have a simple game plan but are incredibly efficient at doing it. We know they will come out firing at the Millennium Stadium.

“What many of their players achieved with the Lions is sure to give them confidence but we are not Australia. This is about us.”

Edwards, however, is well aware that Meyer’s men, ranked No? 2 in the world, present a very different challenge to that of Australia.

The last time they faced the Springboks was at the 2011 World Cup, where they slipped to a heartbreaking one-point defeat, with Rhys Priestland missing a drop-goal at the death.

Edwards admits Wales should have won that Wellington encounter and believes the red-hot Dragons must replicate the form that saw them roar to the Six Nations title with a 30-3 victory over England in March.

“What we have to remember is we are not playing Australia, we are playing South Africa,” said Edwards.

“Their recent results would suggest the Springboks are a stronger team than Australia. We have not mentioned the Lions too much because we are more interested in what we have to do against the Springboks.

“If we can get to the levels of the form Wales showed against France and England and the Lions’ third Test against Australia, we will be close.”

With Ian Evans a major doubt because of an Achilles tendon injury, Bradley Davies is in contention to pack down alongside Alun Wyn Jones.

And with further clashes against Argentina, Tonga and Australia, Cardiff Blues second-row Davies insists making a winning start is essential.

He said: “It’s nice to see how well the boys performed on the Lions tour and that’s what we all aspire to so it’s good to rub shoulders.

“But this is Wales and we want to create our own legacy by beating the best.

“It’s a massive challenge and hopefully we can get the win against South Africa and build momentum through the autumn and into the Six Nations.”

Article source: http://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/441003/Centre-stage-for-England-debutant-Luther-Burrell

Shaun Edwards warns South Africa ahead of Wales clash