There are just four World Cup games remaining – both semi-finals, the third and fourth place play-off and final – so demand is now at its highest.

“The best protection is to simply buy through official channels. To purchase outside of these channels invites the possibility of buying a ticket that won’t actually get you into the match,” said ARU managing director John O’Neill.

Last week, the ARU was alerted to someone trying to sell tickets over the internet, featuring an illustration of a ticket with a non-existent aisle number and incorrect pricing.

O’Neill said conditions of sale printed on the tickets are designed to protect the consumer. In addition, as host union for Rugby World Cup 2003, the ARU has a contractual obligation to RWC Limited to protect official ticket sources.

“There have been too many cases this year of sports fans being burnt by illegal operators,” he added. “We regularly monitor suspicious activity, particularly on web sites.

“Lost or stolen tickets automatically have their bar codes cancelled, so anyone who turns up at a match with such a ticket will not be admitted.”

Tickets are still available for both semi-finals – Australia play New Zealand at Telstra Stadium on Saturday, with England facing France 24 hours later.

“These are the hottest tickets in town, but don’t get desperate,” said O’Neill. “There are still tickets available for both semi-finals.

“In addition, we expect to release more tickets to the final within the next week, so our advice is to wait until then.”