SHAUN Edwards believes “the landscape is changing” for defensive coaches in rugby.

The Wales defence specialist believes the days of going multiple matches at a time without conceding a try are long gone.

And while he knows the aim of the game is to entertain, Edwards says the high number of tries being scored in the international game is making his job increasingly harder.

“In the modern day game, because there are so many tries being scored at the moment, if you can keep a team to 20 points and under there’s a pretty good chance you’re going to win the game,” he said.

“I mentioned that to the players in the build-up (to last Saturday’s defeat of Argentina) and fortunately I was right, because to win a Test match nowadays you have to be scoring 25-plus points.

“I think the days of going four-and-a-half games without conceding a try and conceding two tries in a Six Nations campaign are long gone now.

“Tries are being scored everywhere. Ireland conceded four tries and still won the game against the All Blacks. It’s just where the game is at, and I don’t think it’s a bad thing either.

“We’re in the entertainment business, and at the weekend there wasn’t one penalty for holding on in the whole game. That’s not a criticism of the referee, it’s just where the game is at the moment.

“There were a few turnovers on the floor but I wouldn’t say as many as five or six years ago, particularly back in 2009 and 2010 when a lot of games were decided by who kicked the ball the most. I think it’s to be applauded really.”

Going into more detail, he added: “The game is refereed very pro attack at the moment and, yes, you can still turn the ball over on the floor but you have to vary the way you’re attacking teams.

“You can attack the ball in the air with a rip or a choke, as well as counter-driving and attacking the ball on the floor in the traditional jackaling manner.

“The landscape is changing for defensive coaches.

“You look throughout the world, Wayne Smith, the great All Blacks coach, conceded five tries against Ireland.

“There are a lot of tries being scored around the world.”

Meanwhile, Edwards, whose Wales side face Japan this Saturday, said there had been no contact as yet from Warren Gatland regarding a coaching role with the British and Lions.