CO-CAPTAIN Cory Hill says the Wales tourists can't waste their summer chance to stake a claim for a World Cup spot.

The Dragons lock will lead Warren Gatland's squad along with Cardiff Blues flanker Ellis Jenkins for the June Test against South Africa in Washington then the double-header in Argentina.

The management have left a raft of Lions aces behind for the tour but have still named a strong 31-man group that features just one uncapped player, Tomos Williams.

There are just 16 Tests until Wales open their World Cup against Georgia in Toyota next September and Hill knows that competition is fierce.

The 26-year-old from Pontypridd has played in all nine internationals this season but, with Alun Wyn Jones rested and Jake Ball still on the comeback trail from a shoulder injury, is battling with former Dragons favourite Luke Charteris, Bradley Davies, Seb Davies and Adam Beard for starts against the Springboks and Pumas.

"I had a pretty decent Six Nations and enjoyed the chances I had but I know that I've just got to carry on working hard," said Hill.

"You can't take anything for granted – you have to go out and play every game for Wales like it's your last.

"It's going to be a tough tour with South Africa and then Argentina in their back yard, but I am sure the boys will rise to the challenge.

"It's a big opportunity to prove ourselves because they are quality sides and the boys have to front up. It is down to us all to step up and take our chances because everything is building towards the World Cup.

"We have to put our hands up for the jersey and after this we will only have the autumn, the Six Nations and then it's the build-up to the World Cup, so it's a big tour for us all."

Hill is joined in the party by two current Dragons teammates in hooker Elliot Dee and full-back/wing Hallam Amos plus new recruit Ross Moriarty, who will bolster the back row when he arrives from Gloucester.

The trio could all get the chance to shine in the absence of Lions internationals with Dee getting the opportunity to build on an excellent first campaign in the red of Wales.

The 24-year-old from Newbridge featured against Georgia and South Africa last autumn and played in all five Six Nations encounters, establishing himself as Ken Owens' deputy and making a first Test start against Italy.

"Elliot is a fantastic player and he works extremely hard. It's been nice to see him achieve what he has because he had such a difficult season through injuries the year before," said Hill about the hooker, who had three ankle operations and another on his nose in 2016/17.

"He is a quality player who I am sure will be a world class one in the future. When he played for Wales in the autumn and Six Nations, he has shown what he can do.

"I'm sure he'll kick on from what he's done throughout the year on this tour."