After the 2012 Grand Slam and last season’s dramatic Championship win, Wales go in search of an unprecented treble, starting with a home tie with Italy at the Millennium Stadium this Saturday.
The Wales squad met up at their Vale of Glamorgan training base last week with preparations for the clash with the Azzurri ramped up from today.
And Edwards insists the men in red should relish the challenge of the next few weeks.
“We have an opportunity to create history – all our thoughts and actions are driven towards retaining the title,” said the Wales defence coach and former Wigan man.
“This is a once in a life time opportunity and it may never come round again. But if we think about the end result, we’ll lose sight of the here and now.
“It’s important we control what we can control and not dream too far ahead.”
Wales are set to name their team to face Italy on Tuesday with Edwards wary of the threat posed by Jacques Brunel’s side. The Italians have suffered with injuries in the build-up to this weekend’s kick-off, influential backs Andrea Masi and Gonzalo Canale likely to miss the entire tournament with injury.
But Edwards has refused to discount the threat of a side led by inspirational skipper Sergio Parisse.
He added: “We are facing Italy, a side who beat both France and Ireland last year. We have to be on our guard against them and get off to a better start than last year.
“We know full well every team is waiting for us but I think we are in an advanced stage preparation wise compared to last year.
“If we reach the physicality of the game we had with South Africa in the autumn then we will do well. Hopefully this time we can start off at a high level.
“The Six Nations is what you get judged on. There is a big trophy and the Triple Crown available. We have the ultimate motivation.”
Hear more from Shaun Edwards and wing George North by viewing our video here.
There are still a limited number of tickets available for Wales vs Italy at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, February 1. There are single tickets available for Wales against France on February 21 but the home encounter with Scotland on the final weekend is sold out. To get your tickets go to www.wru.co.uk/tickets.
