SPRINGBOKS legend Jean de Villiers believes Wales are in good hands if Rhys Priestland is pulling the strings in Saturday's Six Nations encounter with Scotland.

The Bath man looks likely to have 10 on his back even if fly-half Dan Biggar is said to be making "excellent progress" in his recovery from the ankle injury he suffered in the opening round draw with Ireland in Dublin.

The 26-year-old Ospreys ace lasted just 22 minutes after suffering a blow to his left leg in the opening exchanges.

He had heavy strapping put on but, even though he still went up for one remarkable up and under challenge, was in clear discomfort and limped off to be replaced by Priestland.

The Wales medical staff have assessed his injury and ruled out a long-term absence with a decision on his participation against the Scots yet to be determined, although the team announcement pushed back 24 hours to 11am tomorrow (THURS).

"Dan Biggar has made excellent progress with his recovery following the ankle injury sustained against Ireland on Sunday," read a statement.

"Indications are that the injury is not considered long term and decisions over his availability for this weekend will be made later in the week."

The swift turnaround from Dublin makes it probable that Priestland will start for the first time since the Uruguay World Cup opener when winning his 42nd cap.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's review of the opening weekend, De Villiers was full of praise for the way that the former Scarlets man steered Wales back from 13-0 down.

He said: "When the fly-half went off and Rhys Priestland came on a lot of people would have been thinking it might be Ireland's chance to get this one but it was a great job by Priestland, I thought he played really well so credit to Wales for coming back but also it was a great game."

The former South Africa centre, who won 109 caps and was a member of the 2007 World Cup-winning squad, also lauded his old sparring partner Jamie Roberts, who put in a monstrous performance in midfield with 11 hard carries and 21 thumping tackles.

"It was a very good performance (by Roberts) and I actually enjoyed the battle between the two sets of centres, I think all four are great players and as combinations they work really well," said De Villiers, who will spend the second half of the season at Leicester.

"From a Wales point of view (Roberts and Jonathan Davies) have proved they are the strongest combination. Jamie's effort was brilliant, they rely so much on him to give them go-forward in attack and also defensively to stop the opposition getting momentum.

"He is vital to their whole game and proved his worth again with a big performance. He's just a great player."