DEFENCE coach Shaun Edwards has paid tribute to the Wales back row of Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton and Taulupe Faletau on the eve of a record-breaking Test against New Zealand, writes Chris Kirwan.

The triumvirate will play their 19th game together when they line up against the world champions, surpassing the triumvirate of Dai Morris, John Taylor and Mervyn Davies who starred between 1969 and 1973.

Cardiff Blues openside Warburton will win his 48th cap against the All Blacks, Newport Gwent Dragons number eight Faletau his 39th and his former Rodney Parade teammate Lydiate his 40th.

Ospreys ace Justin Tipuric has put them under pressure through the years but Warren Gatland feels that the trio are his best unit.

"They all came through together, basically, as part of Warren's youth policy as well. They were promoted into the starting XV and let them develop together," said Edwards.

"They have been very, very good and proficient for us over the years, and hopefully a lot more years to come. It was great vision by Warren.

"They are all model professionals, they work hard at their game, their lifestyles are excellent. We are lucky to have them.

"They are a massive part of helping me in my job in defence, and hopefully they can be at their best on Saturday."

The trio will have a formidable foe at the breakdown tomorrow in New Zealand flanker Richie McCaw, who will lead his country for the 100th time.

"We all have the utmost respect for Richie McCaw," said Edwards. "He epitomises the All Blacks team. He is a very competitive player, and he is also very, very aggressive.

"You can't beat the All Blacks unless you play with controlled aggression."

Edwards will also need his charges to improve the first-up tackling that cost them so dearly against Australia in their autumn opener.

Wales will be coming up against some of the best attacking talent in the world with centre Sonny Bill Williams a supreme athlete with the ability to conjure miracle offloads and wing Julian Savea looking to add to the 29 tries he has scored in 32 Tests.

"Sonny Bill is an outstanding player," said Edwards. "He can promote the ball out of the tackle, as everybody knows, and he is not the only one in that All Blacks team. It is our important that the initial tackle is strong.

"Savea is a huge threat. He is definitely one of the outstanding wings in world rugby and is a tremendous athlete and he's got great feet and power."