MIKE Ruddock, pictured, may be genuinely disappointed the build-up to his first test as new Wales coach has been severely disrupted this week, but in fact the problems are a blessing in disguise.

The former Newport Gwent Dragons chief might have expected a short honeymoon period in charge after taking over from the luckless Steve Hansen.

But instead he seems set for an extended honeymoon because of the massive problems caused by injuries and the furore over the dismantling of the Celtic Warriors.

Up to 17 players, 13 of them front line performers, are unavailable for his first match in charge against the Barbarians at Ashton Gate, Bristol, tonight.

Most, if not all, will also be unavailable for the summer tour of Argentina and South Africa.

Those tours would have been difficult with a full strength squad, though Graham Henry did manage to take a Wales party to Argentina and win a series there for the first time.

With a depleted squad nobody will expect anything, so as long as Ruddock's side avoids a real hiding, he will return home with judgement on his ability still suspended.

The real test will come with the next Six Nations Championship.

By then the honeymoon will be over, the opportunity to restructure the squad to his own design will have arrived and results, not performances, will be paramount.

Meanwhile, it's the Barbarians this evening, traditionally a clash designed to thrill the spectators with the result of minor importance. If Wales win, Ruddock will emerge with real credit given his problems. If they lose well, does it matter?

The Baa-baas have changed all 15 players from the team which defeated Scotland 40-33 at Murrayfield on Saturday and on paper do not look as strong.

Former Wales and British Lions wing Daffydd James is a late inclusion in their team and he will have much to prove.

Australian veteran Matt Burke leads the Baa-baas, but plays at outside half instead of his more favoured full back spot.

The side boasts 446 Test caps but does not have the strength of a side which on Saturday fielded 612 caps.

Nevertheless, it contains more than enough players who still have Test aspirations, so they will want to put on a show.

In particular former All Black Bruce Reihana, Wallaby tough guy Nathan Grey and French centre Damien Traille form a formidable midfield who will Test Wales' new partnership of Gavin Henson and Sonny Parker to the full.

Expect the Baa-baas to run the ball at every opportunity as usual and expect a large number of tries.

But don't be surprised if Ruddock's team shows a slightly more cautious approach with a greater emphasis through their pack.

And don't be surprised if the one uncapped player in the Wales team, Dragons flanker Jason Forster on his first senior Wales appearance, has a big game.

It should be close and it should be exciting with Ruddock relaxed whatever the result because really, he is in a no lose situation - for now.

Wales: G Thomas (Toulouse), R Williams (Blues), S Parker (Warriors), G Henson (Ospreys), S Williams (Ospreys), C Sweeney (Warriors), D Peel (Scarlets), D Jones (Ospreys), M Davies (Warriors), A Jones (Ospreys), B Cockbain (Warriors), G Llewellyn (Ospreys), C Charvis (Tarbes), J Forster (Dragons), M Owen (Dragons. Replacements: H Bennett (Ospreys), D Jones (Scarlets), P Sidoli (Dragons), M Phillips (Scarlets), G Jenkins (Warriors), N Robinson (Blues), H Luscombe (Dragons).

Barbarians: Reihana (N Zealand), James (Wales), Traille (France), Grey (Australia), Paulse (S Africa), Burke (Australia), De Kock (S Africa), Le Roux (S Africa), Sexton (Ireland), Bands (S Africa), Mika (N Zealand), Connors (Australia), Magne (France), Vos (S Africa), Miller (Ireland). Replacements: Oliver (N Zealand), Visagie (S Africa), Robinson (N Zealand), Humphreys (Ireland), Finegan (Australia), Castaignede (France), Persico (Italy). Kick-off 7.45pm.