Felix Auger-Aliassime, Ben Shelton pay a visit to New Zealand's famous All Blacks rugby team

Before they hit the court at the ASB Classic this week, top seeds Felix Auger-Aliassime and Ben Shelton studied up on another of New Zealand's most iconic sports: the famous All Blacks rugby team.

Over the weekend, Auger-Aliassime and Shelton visited the All Blacks Experience, a guided and interactive experience that offers visitors to New Zealand an inside look at the storid history of New Zealand rugby. Per its website, "This full sensory and interactive experience allows New Zealanders and international visitors to celebrate New Zealand’s rugby heritage, achievements and culture."

As a part of their guided tour, Auger-Aliassime and Shelton were presented with their own personalized All Blacks match kits, and even tried their hand at performing the haka, a traditional Maori dance synonymous with the team’s pre-game ritual since the early 1900s.

"Haven’t mastered the haka yet but we’re happy to join the team," Auger-Aliassime joked on Instagram afterwards. "Amazing visit ... today."

With the jury's verdict still out on their rhythm and dancing skills, both Auger-Aliassime and Shelton will be looking to round into form at the ATP 250 in Auckland after a less-than-fluid first week of 2024 on the tennis court.

Auger-Aliassime was limited to just one match—in mixed doubles—representing Canada at the United Cup as a result of recurring knee pain, while Shelton was beaten at the Brisbane International by eventual semifinalist Roman Safiullin.

The American, a quarterfinalist in Melbourne last year, is the top seed, and the Canadian, who reached the last eight in 2022, is seeded No. 4.