All Blacks 'sympathy' sale

One rugby fan came up with a novel idea to cash in on the All Blacks' failure. A bidder by the name of arsenalboy was selling his "sympathy" to upset fans on Trade Me last night.

For Auckland bidders he offered his condolences for up to three hours over a pint or "maybe more if we get on well together".

For those elsewhere he would use telephone or email. The offer also included reminiscing over previous "good times". He said he could identify with the suffering fans might be feeling, having been at previous World Cup games.

"This auction is for my sincere sympathy at our embarrassing and humiliating loss." It had reached $200 last night.

But this morning it appeared to have been withdrawn.