WALES coach Mike Ruddock has got to make the most of next month's short tour to America and Canada - it's the last time he'll be with his players until five days before the game against the All Blacks in November.

Ruddock explained after naming his 29-man squad for the tour that with the early season domestic competitions in full swing, returning Lions doing conditioning work and Heineken Cup commitments the weekend before the New Zealand game, including the Sunday, he will have just four days to prepare for the showdown.

But Ruddock has no doubt all the players will be up for the challenge.

"Everyone is putting in the extra one per cent to be number one in his position, everyone wants to put his marker down which is great for me as a coach," he said.

"We want continuity to build. It's going to be a massive test in the Autumn (when Wales also play South Africa and Australia) and there are European Cup games the weekend before New Zealand, so this is the only time to get the players together.

"There are only four days before the New Zealand game so it's paramount I use this time to further develop the cohesion of the squad."

Despite the absence of 10 players on tour with the British Lions, Ruddock insists there will be no easy caps.

"Everyone has got to earn the right to wear the jersey, so there will be no gimmes," he said. "There's the added complication of Blues players arriving late from their Heineken Cup play-off in Italy, so lets see what happens with injuries.

"But I hope the experience will benefit those players who miss out. There are young players about who have the ability to play at international level and they have to show they can take us forward.

"We need to get continuity to build for the All Blacks and a huge season when we will be defending our title.

We need significant resources for a year of such magnitude."

Ruddock also defended his choice of Mark Taylor as captain ahead of previous occupant Colin Charvis, though he's on the tour as well.

"To have Mark Taylor as captain with his playing experience to lead the way is a huge positive. I know he'll do a brilliant job," said Ruddock.

"We'll wait until team selection before choosing a vice-captain. I've explained the position to Colin (Charvis) and Mefin (Davies), I'll name the vice-captain and pack leader with each team.

"It's only right that Colin concentrates on getting his form back without the specific job of helping the youngsters along.

"He's also got a huge job of trying to oust Martyn Williams and I want to allow him to concentrate on that job alone. We discussed his foot injury and he's bursting to get the jersey back on. He wants to put himself back in contention which is music to my ears."