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Defence around the lineout will be a key factor for the British and Irish Lions in the upcoming series against the Springboks, according to assistant coach Shaun Edwards.

Edwards, the Lions's defence coach, claimed it was an area that had been exposed in the opening game against the Royal Highveld XV in Rustenburg on Saturday.

The Highveld XV scored three tries and were only edged out by two late tries by the tourists, whose 37-25 winning margin flattered them.

"It was obvious we weren't able to defend the drive," Edwards said.

"The defensive lapses on Saturday were partly the result of the players not having played for four or five weeks.

"Our second half was better and we've worked hard on our defence this week. Our defence at the lineouts will be better as we hadn't really worked on that before last Saturday's match.

"But we won't be able to afford any lapses come the tests. We must play for 80 minutes against the Gauteng Lions on Wednesday.

"The only way to put it right is on the pitch in the next game. But if we leak more soft tries I will be very upset."

Edwards said the Springbok squad announced on Monday night reflected the abundance of top players in South Africa.

"They have skills from number 15 to number one. It is the ultimate challenge to win in South Africa and we have seven weeks to come together against the world champions, while they have a set of players that has been together for seven years.

"Our defence has to improve. The players are an extension of me on the field. I'm with them in spirit and I take it personally when people score against us."

Edwards went on to add that he believes the next match is a chance for the squad to show the South Africans what they are capable of.

"We need to put a marker down and play for the full 80 minutes," he said.

"I thought in the last 20 minutes on Saturday we played very well and showed a lot of spirit but we need to do that for 80 minutes. To have any chance against the Springboks, you can't have any lapses."

The former Great Britain rugby league star also revealed he had received some gentle encouragement from the South African public.

"A few South African people have asked what I do with the Lions," he added. "I said I am the defence coach and a few of them wished me good luck, adding that I might need it, which does add a little bit more motivation.

"If you can't handle the pressure, you shouldn't put yourself up for the job. I am well aware of the expectation."

PA Sport / Reuters