Rugby World Cup organisers in New Zealand admit Australian ticket sales for next year's showpiece have been disappointing.

Figures of phase one ticket sales were released on Thursday with 503,000 tickets sold, a fifth of them overseas, raking in $NZ76 million ($A60.32 million).

But the response from Australia has been underwhelming, with only 2000 Australian Follow Your Team ticket packages sold, compared with 3500 for South African supporters.

On Friday, RNZ 2011 boss Martin Snedden told the New Zealand Herald he expected more interest from Australian supporters.

"There's a suggestion rugby has been on a bit of a downer in Australia, so maybe that's affected things a bit," Snedden said.

Some wonder whether the Wallabies' mediocre record in recent years is a key factor.

The Wallabies are in the midst of a nine-match losing streak against the All Blacks and have not lifted the Tri-Nations Cup since 2001 and the Bledisloe Cup since 2002.

Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O'Neill told the Herald that Australia's proximity to New Zealand has lulled fans into thinking they can leave buying tickets until later.

New Zealand will renew its attempt to lure Australian supporters across the Tasman by stationing a giant rugby ball at Sydney's Circular Quay.

Phase Two tickets go on sale on September 10, with about 400,000 individual tickets for sale.

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