TACKLING holds the key to success for Wales in their bid to reach the World Cup final for the first time – and Newport Gwent Dragons pair Dan Lydiate and Toby Faletau will be right in the front line.

Defence coach Shaun Edwards has admitted he will lay the law down again and demand the first-up defence is right as Wales attempt to create history when they face France in Saturday’s semi-final at Eden Park.

An astonishing series of tackles, with another Dragons Luke Charteris leading the way with 16 in just 38 minutes, in the memorable quarter-final against Ireland laid the foundation for a famous victory.

And Edwards will demand more of the same – with back row trio Lydiate, Faletau and skipper Sam Warburton lined up to frustrate the French by going low in the tackle, just as they did against Ireland.

"When you have got a back row like we have at 23, 22 and 20 we have to continue to carry ball against them and continue to tackle," he said.

"For a guy who didn’t sleep for three nights after injuring his ankle it showed how professional Dan is, he works hard on his fitness and he’s got a lot more to prove.

"I’ve never seen a guy so happy when he was told he was fit to play against Ireland, he had a smile like a Cheshire cat.

"I’ve been very lucky to have coached a defensive number six like Joe Worsley (Wasps and England), he’s a similar player to Dan, they are both individuals who are strong defenders.

"And Toby is amazing, a very talented all-round rugby player who has no appreciable weaknesses.

"Sam doesn’t often say a great deal, but his presence on the pitch and his standard was proved against France last year when he went off early and we weren’t the same after.

"Dan, Toby and Sam all understand their roles. It’s about courage, a million different components, but what sticks out is the quality of our tackling. People realise how important it is."

Even a hard-nosed ex-league star turned successful union coach was taken aback at the massive interest surrounding Wales and their World Cup semi-final against the French.

"This is like being on a Lions tour, the interest from the media is worldwide," he said. "I’m thoroughly enjoying New Zealand and the people have welcomed us with open arms, but this is on a worldwide stage, and we mean to put our best foot forward.

"Seeing you all here shows how important rugby is in New Zealand. Every time you pick up the paper or switch on the TV it’s rugby everyone wants.

"In other parts of the world, like with us, it’s soccer but here you’ve got a good grounding for coaches around the world and Warren Gatland has helped me a lot.

"We’ve had the support of the New Zealand people and they wanted us to beat South Africa for some reason I can’t think of and since Ireland a lot of people have come up to congratulate us, but I’m sure that will all dry up if we beat France and face the All Blacks in the final."

Edwards has no doubts where the danger will come against the French – the No 8 and 9 axis between Dimitri Yachvili and Imanol Harinordoquy.

"They will be pivotal. Harinordoquy is the best carrier in the competition with the number of players he beats and he is a player we need to look after," he warned.

"How good we are going to be will be decided over the next two games. Hopefully we will come together and improve rapidly again, we are where we are not by accident but by a lot of hard work, strong character and no little skill."