This must be how Wallaby supporters feel.

Great thread, all humans have a unique individual story, and it is important to listen and hear others.

I have a long story, but the short version is 10 years in the Cops, left 2 years ago, moved to the country, suffer from PTSD and anxiety, became unemployed, struggled with loss of identity and connections from the Police. I quickly found myself in a pretty dark hole, nothing seemed to matter, I had lost all sense of purpose, nothing excited me, and I was at the lowest point I had been in my life.

I sat with my thoughts wondering how it came to this, as a teenager I took any job, did anything, spoke to anyone and was full of life without a care in the world. Fast forward 25 years and I was a grown man awake in the middle of the night wondering why my brain was torturing me. I read plenty of self-help books, reached out for help but nothing really worked.

Thankfully, over time things have gotten a lot better. If I reflect on what is different, the main thing is I found something to do, I was lucky to get part time work I enjoy. I had always enjoyed photography and decided to pursue that even more regardless if it made me any money. Once I became busy, started helping others and felt like I was contributing the chatter in the head faded, time has healed my wounds regarding the Police, and I can say I am excited about what is ahead.

It appears for me the medicine is being busy, focused and having a feeling of purpose. I truly hope everyone who is struggling can get the help they need, and I wish you all the best going forward.

I was in the Police for many years. I remember one bloke, heavy meth user, broke into 30+ houses, in and out of Jail. He got out and disappeared off our radar, I thought he must have moved or died.

About 6 months later I run into him at the Supermarket. He has work boots, pants etc on and looked completely different. He spotted me and I made small talk with him. I Said "haven't seen you around" He said, "I'm too bloody tired after work to break into houses."

So after hours upon hours chasing him, going to court, years in jail. All he needed was a job.

I honestly believe the key to reducing offending is education, employment, strong family and social connections.

All the dependent drug users I engaged with couldn't have cared less about its legality. That made no difference whatsoever.

I am all for legalisation, if you want to reduce the harms of drugs you need to give people a reason not to become dependent on them in the first place. Plenty of people use alcohol responsibly and cannabis would be no different.

So true it's scary.

@Godder said in Happiness Scale:

My personal rules for maintaining some semblance of happiness:

1. Don't sweat the small stuff
2. Don't worry about the stuff you can't control
3. You don't have to keep up with the Joneses
4. Don't let the bastards grind you down.
   5. Masturbate as required.

Also need to spare a thought for the poor Police that have to attend that scene to gather evidence, I couldn't even imagine how they would deal with that. I realise they are professionals but they are human too.

On a serious note, I imagine mental health issues will spike with being isolated, not being able to engage with community groups, financial pressure etc. Keep a look out for your mates and loved ones.

Fozzie: "Brownie, you up for being my assistant?", Brown: "Sorry Fozzie, Jamie and I are having a crack."
Fozzie: "Jamie, great job with Japan, I still think I'm the better coach so do you want to be my 2IC?", Joseph: "Fuck off Fozzie!"
Fozzie: "Coops Bra, you want to be my 2IC?". Cooper: "Sorry Fozzie, King Country need a new head coach."
Fozzie: "Razor, great job with the Crusaders, I think I need your dance skills", Razor " Fozzie, the backs were shit at the WC, I can do better and I am a forwards coach."
Fozzie: "Hammet, our forwards got smashed, you are the man for the job", Hammet:"When do I start"

Just in case anyone missed his chat with Savea on Youtube earlier in the year, looks like he battled some demons mentally which impacted his rugby. To his credit it appears as if 2020 has been a rebuilding which has led to his start. I hope he goes well.

I think the Wallabies will be too strong, this could turn out to be a pretty strong team, if they win these 2 they will head north with plenty of confidence.

@act-crusader said in All Blacks vs Springboks I:

Samisoni Taukei’aho (6)
Karl Tu’inukuafe (22)
Ofa Tuungafasi (40)

Gotta say, those are some big bodies to bring on with 30 to go.

I was also shocked to see Patty has 39 tests which might be an indication of our locking depth at the moment. He is a great player I just don't think he has ever quite made it at test level. I hope to be proven wrong this weekend.

I'm actually pretty impressed with how our forwards look, that tight 5 is very experienced and the loosies are good. If we had Whitelock and Cane back that would be some forward pack.

The danger is there is plenty of quality in that Boks side, if they can somehow sort their shit out in 7 days we could be up for quite a challenge. I'm hoping our form, confidence and fitness will give us an edge.

I'm about 80kms from Mansfield, it was very loud where I was, house was shaking, very weird sensation. No damage that I can see.

There is something I really like about QT, he seems very solid, makes good metres with ball in hand, doesn't push the pass, solid on D. He has the foundations to become a very good player and his partnership with ALB will only continue to improve. I look forward to seeing how the Chiefs go next year as they have some very good players if everyone is fit.

Maybe they can do some sort of high ball catching competition to select the wings as Faf is going to be putting up bombs all night long.

@canes4life I would say that would be the 23, maybe a change if ALB is fit. Looks like a strong team to me.

@hooroo said in All Blacks vs Springboks I:

@canes4life said in All Blacks vs Springboks I:

After last night who is everyone picking as our best XV to take on S.A?

This is the team I think Fozzie will select from what we’ve seen so far. I haven’t picked Leinert-Brown due to not being match fit and also uncertain of the status of his injury.

1. Moody
2. Taylor
3. Laulaula
4. Rettalick
5. Barrett
6. Ioane
7. Papali’i
8. Savea (c)
9. Perenara
10. Barrett
11. Bridge
12. Havili
13. Ioane
14. Reece
15. Barrett
16. Taukei'aho
17. Bower
18. Tu’ungafasi
19. Vaa’i
20. Jacobson
21. Weber
22. McKenzie
23. Jordan

Could we see Whitelock on the bench? Will his quarantine be complete?

I didn't think he was rejoining the squad?

Great first half, just seems many of these players are short on minutes which had led to mistakes and it being pretty messy.

They make it look easy when they hold onto it.