Young fan seeks answers on how to cut two years off his saving plan

Thomas Mengel has been saving his pocket money for a ticket to the Rugby World Cup final.

Thomas Mengel reckons he could save enough pocket money for a ticket to next year's Rugby World Cup - the problem is it will take him until 2013.

And so, worried about the high cost of match tickets, he put pen to paper, writing a letter to the editor of the Herald to see if there were any other ideas "for me to make more money".

"I have been saving my pocket money ... but it will take about 3 more years until I can save the money."

The 8-year-old, whose favourite player is Dan Carter, has been squirrelling away pocket money from garage sales, and is planning to do stocktaking at an uncle's surf shop.

He's managed to save $53, and people who bought from his stall in St Heliers over the Christmas holidays had been nice, he said.

A sign told customers he and his six-year-old brother Joshua were saving up for the tickets.

A bus driver, who had a full load of passengers, gave him a giggle when he stopped.

"He had all these passengers. He stopped in three or four carparks and got out and bought something.

"It's not boring. One time a person came and just gave $2 but she didn't buy anything."

His parents have made him a deal - they'll pay for half his ticket if he can save the other.

So he's eyeing $390 tickets to the Eden Park final. "It's the lowest one [for the match]."

Thomas's grandfather is a newspaper letter writer, and that gave him the idea to write to the Herald for help with fundraising ideas.

He hopes readers might have a few brainwaves, as well.

Mum Annette Mengel said she wanted her boys to learn about the value of money and working for what you want.

But the tickets were priced so kids would have a hard time saving for them.

"I'm a mother of two boys and they both love sport. Thomas wants to be an All Black.

"It's exciting that the World Cup's coming here, but it's just a shame that a lot of kids will miss out. It's his dream being part of something memorable like that.

"The money isn't an issue for us. But I guess it would be nice if there were so many tickets that were well priced for children."

Rugby fans are being urged to apply for tickets in a campaign using high profile athletes such as Jonah Lomu and Valerie Vili.

Outside of the final, children's tickets range in price from $15 to $60.

Even if he can raise the money, Thomas could have trouble securing a ticket for the final.

Final and semifinal tickets will be available by ballot late this year or early next year to anyone who has already bought a team or venue pack, or individual tickets for pool games. Leftover final tickets will then go on sale.

A Rugby New Zealand 2011 spokesman said he applauded Thomas's determination.

"It's fantastic to see his enthusiasm for wanting to go and watch rugby at its best ... Good luck to him."

The first round of tickets for World Cup pool games goes on sale on April 27.