Deep pockets needed to attend RWC 2015

The All Blacks pose with the Webb Ellis Trophy after winning the 2011 IRB Rugby World Cup. Photo / Getty Images

The All Blacks have arrived in the UK for their end of year tour. But if you want to be there next year when they defend the Rugby World Cup, you’ll need deep pockets. Cherie Howie reports.

Their first game is still 318 days away, but Kiwis can't wait to be on hand to watch the All Blacks defend their title in the UK next year.

Thousands have already snapped up Rugby World Cup tickets or signed up for tour packages that include the coveted match tickets.

All Blacks Tours general manager David Caldwell was in London this week leading a supporters' tour for the men in black's year-ending UK tour. But, like other fans, his mind was also on next year's defence of the World Cup, so achingly coveted by New Zealand in 2011.

"We've already sold our initial order of 10,500 match tickets to 3000 people across the tours.

"We're looking to sell about the same again."

Match tickets were made available to the public in September and a ballot system was used for high demand matches.

Those have been allocated and any remaining tickets will go back on sale sometime this month.

Most games had been "seriously oversubscribed", Caldwell said.

"For example, Wembley has already sold out for the All Blacks versus Argentina. There were 220,000 applications for tickets."

All Blacks Tours still had places on almost all of its tours, including two fan flight options to the knockout stages hosted by 2011 cup hero Stephen "Beaver" Donald and former All Black coach Sir Graham Henry. Caldwell expected the end of year tour would lead to a burst of interest in the World Cup from All Blacks' fans.

"It is front of mind for people. It could be history-making. There's lots of good reasons to be part of it."

Williment Sports Travel general manager Adair Cameron said interest in his company's tours was already high.

Those wanting to buy tickets independently still face a raid on the wallet when remaining seats go on sale again through the official Rugby World Cup website this month.

Ticket prices for All Black pool games range from $103 to $362, according to the website.

Quarter and semifinal tickets are between $196 and $1066 and the cheapest ticket for the final is $310.

Those wanting the best seat for the biggest rugby match on the planet will pay $1480.

And then you have to get there - return Air New Zealand economy seats between Auckland and London were selling for more than $3300 each this week.