Some NZ teams take a different approach and don't seen to mind a slower start to the year. I wonder if they were instructed to leave those All Blacks in NZ by the NZRU or Hansen.
NZRU have instructed the franchises that every EOYT All Black is to be given two weeks leave during the season. Trials don't appear to count but, for example, Retallick will be rested in Round 1, as will Dagg, Mealamu will miss Rounds 1 & 2, etc etc.
As I noted in my Crusaders season preview, it's gonna be a helluva juggling act for them (12 AB including Read & Sam Whitelock who are both on a mini-sabbatical until Round 5) & the Horrorcanes (10 AB) & only a little easier for the Chiefs & Blues (6 each, I think). The Clan only have Aaron & Ben Smith to worry about, that's one reason they're my smoky for the NZ Conference.