.... to be honest, it doesn't bother me, but I don't see why we should be expected to play an understrength team next week.

There were a few injuries last night, and that's only the obvious ones.

Mini was out for some time last season with a calf problem. Let's hope he's ok next week.

This is were RU is better. Their huge squads (and the increased SC)allow for teams with internationals and injuries to still field a decent team. There's also no arguments about not playing unless a player is injured, and rightly so.
Think Leeds had 7 on international duty and still had a match at the weekend not that long back.

Our international game is weak enough as it is, we need to ensure the likes of PNG, Samoa, Fiji Tonga etc get to play their big stars even at the expense of someone elsewhere, especially since Australia/NZ poach the cream often as not.
As pointed out, we still have a lot of talent and we just have to look at it from a positive angle and the personal achievement for our players.
They might get injured in any case.

Big losses and probably takes away any real prospect of us winning

Probably going against the grain here but I think the league is now more important. We are in our best position for years and the kudos is higher for a grand final win now. I feel the cup has had its day to some extent, witness the decline in attendance for proof. Plus we've won the cup before. I would prefer us to concentrate on beating Wigan. Let them go. Just hope they return ready to rock

The Cup is still very important to me and a first win at Wembley is at the top of my bucket list. I remember the times when Premiership finals (Championship play off) decided the league and The Cup was always regarded as the premier trophy. Old fart maybe, but please give me the first Wembley win.

We should respect the players wishes in wanting to represent their countries, regardless of how it affects us.

Stamped with the usual Jakester modus operandi.

Indeed. There are a few club owners who would probably be whining on twitter about it

Yep!

Decades of watching FC have worn away any optimism I ever had