Edwards is now in charge of the French defence after 12 years working alongside Warren Gatland in Wales.
After slipping to defeat in Dublin, Wales must topple unbeaten France to have a chance of defending their Six Nations title.
And powerful Scarlets second-row Ball is confident Wales can find a way to challenge Edwards’ defensive system. “They’re two from two and their defence has been good,” said Ball.
“Obviously we know Shaun pretty well, we know what he likes to bring in defence, so potentially that could give us a bit of an advantage. You can see what he’s done for them in the first couple of games, but from our point of view we have a new defensive team in as well.
“Bernard Le Roux has already won a man of the match and put in a very good defensive display. So yeah they look good, with Willemse.
“They have some good size there with some athleticism, so it will be a tough battle.”
Ball insists a capacity Principality Stadium crowd will give Wales a massive boost in this weekend’s Six Nations clash. And he is adamant the fallow week has been a huge help to Wales’ preparations with players recovering from knocks.
He said: “When you’re on the field you don’t tend to hear a massive amount. Sometimes in those key moments of the game, when there might be a stoppage in play, maybe a penalty kick to the corner, you do hear it and you do feel that energy. There’s no doubt that is an advantage.
“One that stands out to me was South Africa in 2014. It was a while [15 years] since we had beaten them and there was a scrum in our 22 in about the 70th minute. We had a great scrum and saw out that game to get our first win in a long time against them.
“For me, those fallow weeks are key. You play two test match, back to back and it takes its toll on your body.
“So that time off is needed and you have that extra week to prepare and do some prep against a team and that is pretty helpful as well. I like fallow weeks, personally, as it gives me an opportunity to let my body get back to where it should be.
“To be honest that is where the game has changed. You finish a game and it does take you two to three days to get back to feeling yourself.
“You know, everyone plays different styles, and mine is to hit hard and hope the other guy wakes up the next morning more sore than you are. It doesn’t always work out like that and you are sore and battered as well.
“So you do anything you can to help it – ice baths, cryotherapy, we’ve got everything we could ask for up here and Bobby [Stridgeon] and his team they make sure everything is in place to make sure you are ready for the following week.”
