Labelling it a "different beast", Brad Thorn has warned northern hemisphere nations lead-up form counts for little ahead of next year's World Cup.
The cross-code great was on hand in Brisbane to mark 500 days until the Australian showpiece, relishing the chance to hold the Webb Ellis Cup again.
Thorn's World Cup win with the All Blacks in 2011, as a 36-year-old, was his final Test and followed NRL and Super Rugby titles, a European Cup and appearances for Queensland and Australia in rugby league.