The Konica Queensland Fire will look to use the unexpected bonus of practice matches against world champions New Zealand this month to resurrect their faltering Women's National League campaign.

Queensland suffered their second successive defeat in as many rounds in the WNCL over the weekend, losing both of their matches against NSW at Drummoyne Oval in Sydney.

The Fire fought well on Saturday but lost comfortably on Sunday to leave them winless so far this season.

However Queensland will have the chance to put their house in order later this month with the New Zealand White Ferns coming to Brisbane to play three matches.

New Zealand had been scheduled to tour India but cancelled their visit in light of the international situation. Instead, they will play matches against Queensland on December 17, 19 and 20 as part of their build-up to the coming series against Australia, the team they defeated in the World Cup Final at the start of the year.

The first game of the mini-tour on December 17 will be at Allan Border Field with the remaining two games at the Gabba. All games will be day matches.

The Fire's remaining WNCL matches are in January against the Southern Scorpions in Adelaide and the Western Fury at Allan Border Field.

New Zealand will play a home and away series against the Australian Southern Stars team in February.

© 2001 Queensland Cricket