URC: A mixture of Christmas cheer and taunts for Welsh rugby teams

Two former Wales players were at the heart of the Scarlets’ victory.

Luke Jake Ball, 34, has been one of the heroes of the defense as he tops the tackles chart with 19 as he continues to impress in his return to the Scarlets.

“Jake is doing great,” Van der Berg said. “He works hard and is still the master of the game.”

Van der Berg believes such a model could see Wales coach Steve Tandy consider an international call-up for Ball, who has previously played Test rugby, in 2021.

“He wants to knock on the door and see if there are high chances for him,” Van der Berg said.

“He showed against Cardiff what he can do, so I can’t see why not.”

Scrum-man Gareth Davies, 35, earned plaudits with another double try at Arms Park, including a trademark stunning interception attempt.

Davies retired from international rugby but his man-of-the-match performance against Cardiff showed why he remains one of Welsh rugby’s best players.

“It’s amazing what he’s doing there,” Van der Berg said.

“Gareth is like a good red wine. Some players get better as they get older.

“He showed his experience again and still has the pace to finish that attempt.”

At the other end of the scale, Welsh midfielder Eddie James shone in the number 13 shirt.

Tandy is looking for a solution to his outside position problem, with Gloucester’s Max Llewellyn set to miss the Six Nations with a knee injury.

Van der Berg compared the 23-year-old James to South African midfielder Andre Esterhuizen: “He… [James] I got something.

He added: “He has the size and everything there. He needs time and as he gets more experience, he will play for many years and play for Wales.”

“He’s a good player who can play in the 12th and 13th positions. He also has the pace and the offloading is there.”