KEY POINTS:
The All Blacks immersed themselves in the warm waters of Corsica yesterday, using their brief stopover to unwind with some relaxed hijinks off the jetty below their secluded hotel.
Jerry Collins, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Isaia Toeava, Joe Rokocoko and Rodney So'oialo went through their acrobatic aquatic session as the team started a two-day sojourn on the French protectorate in the Mediterranean.
After sleeping off the effects of their 35-hour journey to reach Corsica, the All Black quintet chose swimming as the next method of beating the jetlag and the heat.
Scorching temperatures started to cool as night obscured the All Blacks' arrival but it did not dim the enthusiasm of about 200 locals who gathered at Ajaccio Airport to welcome their cursory sporting visitors.
Team manager Darren Shand said the All Blacks travelled the furthest of any World Cup side but a quick breakfast inventory of the players and management suggested they were all in good health.
Assistant coach Wayne Smith obliged one local television channel by taking its camera on to the team bus to get exclusive footage. It was a strong public relations start from the team after the lengthy journey.
The strength of the Corsican reception surprised many, although anticipation had built during the week with confirmation that the All Blacks would be in town for a brief stopover before flying to Marseille to start their tournament campaign.
