England fans celebrate the shock win over Australia in Marseille

The International Rugby Board says not all tickets are transferable, which means some fans may not get in.

"There is the risk they won't get entry," said IRB spokesman Greg Thomas.

After their win over Australia, around 40,000 English fans could go to Paris for the game with France, who upset the All Blacks in their quarter-final.

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The IRB has already put an extra 2,000 tickets on sale for the match but had more than three million hits on its website from fans trying to buy them.

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Many more fans are likely to travel to the French capital hoping to buy tickets sold on by people who do not want to go to the game or cannot resist making a profit.

Others will come to savour the atmosphere and watch the game in bars or on big screens being erected in the city.

The early indications are that fans of both Australia and New Zealand will be there, too, despite their country's surprise exits.

The Wallabies were beaten 12-10 in Marseille while the All Blacks, the tournament favourites, slipped to a 20-18 defeat in Cardiff.

South Africa fans wasted little time in putting their requests in

"People have reserved and paid for their accommodation in advance, some through official tour organisations, and will also have paid for their tickets," added Thomas.

"They will not be able to get refunds so we would encourage them to hold on to their tickets, stay around and watch the games.

"There can't be many better places to watch rugby than Paris."

France face England at the 80,000-capacity Stade de France on Saturday (2000 BST).

The second semi-final between South Africa and Argentina takes place at the same stadium the following day.