Ticket inflation

I have found a man who knows a man in the French rugby federation. He leaves a message on my mobile saying he can secure me a ticket. The asking price is £450. I call him back: he has sold it. “I don’t think you will get one now” he says. At the Stade de France, French and Antipodean fans picking up pre-booked tickets are quickly surrounded by touts. A British tout who has been here several days tells me: “Demand is hot now. The price is Euros 1-1,500.” At the Gare du Nord, arriving England fans find a city still paralysed by a rail strike. Perhaps it reminds them of home.

Darren Lees, 23, a Royal Navy marine engineer and Tim Myatt, 25, a rugby coach, have arrived without tickets and due to the strike, they cannot reach their hotel on the edge of town. They are remarkably cheerful about their predicament. "We will be sleeping at the Stade De France tonight to try and get tickets," says Darren.

They do not have sleeping bags. "Alcohol will keep us warm," said Tim.

"Besides," says Darren. "We are built for comfort not for speed."

Their plan is to intercept French fans on their way to the play-off with Argentina, who may have bought final tickets. "We have got to get there sharpish," says Darren. "The next load of England supporters arrive in 35 minutes."