The historic city of Durham, in England's north east, has long been a drawcard for tourists attracted by its 11th century castle and Norman cathedral on the banks of the beautiful Wear River.
It was only natural, then, that on their day off for the week some of the AllBlacks decided to visit the place, a world heritage site about a half-hour drive from their luxury golf resort base outside Darlington.
The players, including skipper Richie McCaw and record-breaking first-five Dan Carter, visited the cathedral and walked the narrow, cobbled streets of this medieval town, where they happened upon members of the Durham University Rugby Club.
The club members, on the streets to drum up support for an upcoming fixture, were said to be shocked at the sight of the pair, but quickly regained their composure and offered them free tickets if they had nothing else to do over the next few days.
The All Blacks are in the area preparing for their final pool match of the World Cup against Tonga in Newcastle on Saturday morning NZT.
Hooker Keven Mealamu and prop Charlie Faumuina, meanwhile, wandered around Darlington, a market town slightly more modest than Durham, but which is said to be the home of the best pies in Britain.
Last week some of the All Blacks went clay bird shooting, including wing Waisake Naholo, for whom it was his first time. Asked if he was a good shot, the flying Fijian answered simply: "Yes".
