Firefighters' strikes could force a postponement of two of Wales' autumn rugby Tests against New Zealand and Fiji.

Lack of fire service protection at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff could stop the Welsh Rugby Union from staging the event because of safety risks to fans.

The games (Fiji on 9 November and New Zealand on 23 November) coincide with the second and third of six planned strike dates - staged by Fire Brigades Union members seeking a 40% pay rise.

Wales matches

1 Nov: Wales v Romania (The Racecourse Ground, Wrexham; 1905 GMT tbc) 9 Nov: Wales v Fiji (Millennium Stadium, Cardiff; 1630 GMT) 16 Nov: Wales v Canada (Millennium Stadium, Cardiff; 1630 GMT) 23 Nov: Wales v New Zealand (Millennium Stadium, Cardiff; 1430 GMT)

A specially convened panel is to meet in Cardiff on Friday to discuss whether the matches can go ahead at the 72,500-capacity stadium.

The Safety at Sports Grounds Panel will comprise emergency planners and representatives from Cardiff County Council, South Wales Fire Service, Wales Ambulance Service.

A decision is expected to be returned on the same day.

Critical clashes

Postponement would be a blow to coach Steve Hansen, who wants to test an experimental 29-man squad in preparation for Rugby World Cup '03.

The New Zealander has stressed that his team - with only one win in nine matches - is desperate for morale boosting wins.

Strike dates

29- 31 October 2-4 November 6 November -14 November 22-30 November 4-12 December 16-24 December

The WRU said a big attendance was vital for the union's finances and if rugby was to stay ahead of football in the wake of Wales' 2-1 defeat of Italy a week ago.

But Wales' clashes with Canada (16 November at the stadium) and Romania (1 November at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground) fall outside of strike periods.

Football clubs across the UK are also checking whether they can stage games without adequate fire service protection.

The Premier League thinks all its 20 clubs should be able to comply with the requirements for a fresh certificate.

The first 48-hour strike is due to begin next Tuesday and Swansea City FC has said home clash with Kidderminster on that day will go ahead.

The extent of any further disruption is expected to become clearer later.