Israel Folau will use his injury troubles at the Rugby World Cup to take a more-positive approach the next time he suffers similar adversity.
A proven and regular game breaker from fullback, Folau was relatively subdued after rolling an ankle in the pool-stage clash with England.
He played the following week against Wales, but missed the quarter-final against Scotland and started the semi-final (against Argentina) and the final (against the All Blacks).
Folau was uncharacteristically shaky under the high ball in some games and wasn't always at his dynamic attacking best, although he did produce an improved performance in the final.
Asked to assess his form through the tournament, Folau said at Sydney Airport on Wednesday: "I wasn't happy with how things went.
"Obviously, I think the injury set me back.
"But in saying that, that's part and parcel of what comes with the game.
"I guess I can learn from the experience now and, the next time I go through something like this, I can go through it in a more positive way."
Although disappointed Australia lost the final to New Zealand, code hopper Folau rated the tournament as the highlight of his illustrious sporting career.
"Being part of a World Cup on an international level, it doesn't get any higher than that so, for me, it's got to be at the top of my list," Folau said.
Folau will shortly start a stint in Japan where the next World Cup will be staged, although he has yet to commit right through to the 2019 tournament.
"I'm here (in rugby union) for the next three years at least. For me, that's a long time and that's all I'm thinking about."
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