WALES are now well equipped to take on the huge challenge facing them in the next year as they continue their build-up to the 2007 World Cup.

That is the positive outcome of their tour to North America, believes coach Mike Ruddock, after he blooded seven more new caps and saw his side pile up 137 points while conceding only six in their matches against the USA and Canada.

Wales will face Southern Hemisphere giants New Zealand, South Africa and Australia in the Autumn, then they defend their Six Nations title before following up with a Summer tour to Argentina.

Ruddock is upbeat about Welsh prospects. "I took over just over a year ago and my first assignment was to go to Argentina and South Africa with 15 players missing," he recalled on arriving back in Wales yesterday.

"That was a real test of our resources, but to get a Test win against Argentina was great, though the South Africa game which followed stretched us to the limit so history tells me there is the potential for it to happen again.

"We face an Autumn of huge quality, then we defend our Six Nations title and our regions play in the European Cup so by the time of the end of season tour to Argentina there is every chance there will be injuries.

"But I am more optimistic now that we've got the cover as we build towards the next World Cup.

"I honestly believe we should have beaten New Zealand last year, but we missed a number of kicks at goal, Gavin Henson hitting the woodwork, it was as close as that, and we got 59% possession. I'm confident we can really challenge and stay with the All Blacks, but they will be even better again so we'll have to improve.

"But I feel very confident with the way the squad is coming along. We've also got 11 Lions who will all come back better players, and there are a number of other candidates."

Ruddock showed the squad a video of the two tour games before leaving Canada, but closed with a clip of the New Zealand game. "So the message was 'well done' but it was important to focus on New Zealand in the Autumn," he said.

Meanwhile, Blaenavon-born ex-Pontypool centre Mark Taylor, who captained Wales on tour, heads for a new life in Manchester as he starts a three-year contract with Sale.

"It was a very satisfactory tour, but now I've got to get my head around a new challenge," he said.

"I've still got Welsh desires and hope my form will be good enough up there, but looking at the way the young guys fitted in on tour shows we've got strength in depth despite having 11 Lions away."