Aussies can't get enough of the vuvuzelas

Our Anzac brothers may have jokingly created "Australasia" to bask in the reflected glory of New Zealand's 1-1 result with Slovakia at soccer's World Cup.

But an attempt to cash in on South Africa's ear-piercing vuvuzela is potentially no laughing matter for Australian sports administrators.

Those plastic horns, which create the tournament's background noise, are reportedly gaining in popularity, with stockists saying they are struggling to satisfy demand.

Never afraid to take ownership of another country's creation - try Phar Lap and pavlova for starters - fans of soccer, league and Aussie Rules are apparently keen to replicate the droning din which has dominated match coverage from South Africa.

The Sunday Telegraph quoted one Sydney toy retailer saying he had shifted 1000 in three days last week at A$6 ($7.30) apiece.

"I'd say we'll see a few more at games in Sydney," said Vaughn DeKretser.

That prospect drew a mixed response from administrators.

Football Federation Australia spokesman Mark Jensen said the FFA would ban vuvuzelas if too many appeared at A-League games next season.

"If it's one or two fans then it won't be a problem because they'll stop and take a breath at some stage," he said.

"But if it gets bad we'll look to ban them."

NRL spokesman Paul Kind said the league would monitor vuvuzela usage before making a decision.

"Personally they drive me mad and they make the broadcast hard to watch...but some people reckon they add atmosphere," he said.

Australian Football League spokesman Patrick Keane said spectators were already banned from bringing horns to matches.

- NZPA