Edwards: Kept his dignity

Wales were left with a mountain to climb after talismanic skipper Sam Warburton was harshly sent-off for a dangerous tackle on Vincent Clerc.

However, despite being a man down for 62 minutes, Wales performed bravely and they even had the better chances in the second half to win the match.

And although proud of the performance, Edwards was left gutted by the defeat.

"I feel empty," said Edwards.

"I just think there's a sense of disappointment that a team who have acquitted themselves so well and want to entertain fans and want to play rugby, are not in the sport's premier blue riband event.

"It is very tempting for me to come out with loud statements but it is more important I keep my dignity in what is quite a trying time.

"You take comfort from the fact that the men you are involved with are an incredibly courageous, incredibly dedicated group who have come to the premier event and acquitted themselves in such a magnificent manner.

"My name is beside them and I am proud to be at the side of Sam Warburton's name, I am proud to be at the side of Alun Wyn Jones' name.

"I have been involved with a lot of good teams in my life in rugby league and rugby union and all I can say is that I am proud to have my name beside Sam Warburton's.

"They are everything that is good about the game of rugby. They are together, there are no cliques.

"It is why you want your son to go and play rugby, so your son behaves how these guys behave."