![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/0_JS103778957.jpg\")
Former Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards had a lasting impact on his players in a hugely successful career in Welsh rugby. (Image: Ben Evans\/Huw Evans Agency)<\/p>\n‘And if you didn’t do it right, you’d know about it,’ explained Wales legend Shane Williams.Former Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards had a lasting impact on his players in a hugely successful career in Welsh rugby. (Image: Ben Evans\/Huw Evans Agency)<\/p>\n
Former Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards <\/a>provided legendary wing Shane Williams with crucial career-defining advice during their time together at international level, as well as “battering” him with tyres and flying elbows to get him conditioned for tackling big players.<\/p>\n There are a multitude of stories that pay testament to Edwards’ class in his role alongside Warren Gatland<\/a> in the golden era of Welsh rugby, and Williams has paid thanks to the Englishman for his advice on containing opponents.<\/p>\n Edwards is a fan favourite in Welsh rugby, and prior to the appointment of new boss Steve Tandy<\/a>, his name was uttered by fans across the country as a potential candidate to lead Wales into a new era. Edwards will remain in France as their defence coach for the time being, but he will be forever be remembered as a legend for his time in Wales.<\/a><\/p>\n Speaking on the latest episode of the Stick To Rugby podcast, <\/a>Williams was interviewed by Lawrence Dallaglio, Tom Shanklin, Scott Quinell and Nolli Waterman.<\/p>\n Dallaglio brought up Edwards, and revealed that the northerner loved how Williams scored tries, but what he admired more was his dedication in defence.<\/p>\n “Shaun was a massive influence in me progressing as an overall player,” began Williams.<\/p>\n “When we used to defend, we used to go up straight and then push defenders. It was an outside tackle, around the legs usually, and I was comfortable with that, because there wasn’t people… Lote Taquiri’s running straight at me.<\/p>\n “And I could usher them to the touchline and I always had 15 to help me if I needed it, and it helps having a good 13.<\/p>\n “So, when he said: ‘No, you lead the charge, you stand a bit wider, you come in and blitz that outside guy, you’ve got to read it. Because if that ball goes over him to the outside guy, don’t worry about him, you can always pull out, cover, 15 is your man’.<\/p>\n “He said: ‘This is your channel’, and I remember being absolutely petrified. Because one – it’s Shaun Edwards telling me to do this. And if you didn’t do it right, you’d know about it.<\/p>\n