Nikola Karabatic, a former international rugby player, has compared France's 2023 quarter-final loss to South Africa with the handball team's semi-final defeat against Germany in 2007. Karabatic, who is a patron of the Rugby Night at the Olympia, emphasized that the 2023 setback could serve as a useful experience for future global events. He noted that the French rugby team should use this experience to fuel future successes, drawing a parallel to the handball team's subsequent achievements. In 2007, France lost 32 to 31 to Germany in Cologne after two overtime periods, a match marked by disputed refereeing decisions from the French side. Following this defeat, the handball team went on to win the Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008, the world title in 2009, and the European Championship in 2010. This sequence of victories, however, was preceded by France's European Championship win in 2006, indicating that the 2007 loss was part of a broader context rather than the sole catalyst for their success. Karabatic, who scored eight goals during the Olympic final against Iceland, highlighted that the memory of the 2007 loss led to a concrete response on the field. He suggested that the French rugby team could similarly use the 2023 defeat as a motivator. However, he cautioned that this experience should not overshadow the team's focus on upcoming matches, particularly as they prepare for the World Cup in 2027. The 29 to 28 score on October 15, 2023, provides specific areas for improvement, including France's halftime lead of 22 to 19. The team had conceded tries after poorly negotiated high balls, and the loss of Etzebeth's try and Pollard's points contributed to their defeat. Karabatic emphasized the need to transform emotion into game requirements, suggesting that anger can be a driving force but must be managed to maintain clarity and focus during tight matches. With one year to the opening of the World Cup, scheduled for October 1, 2027, the challenge is to pass on the lessons learned from the 2023 defeat to the new players. The current players can share the experience of a tight elimination, while the new players need an ambition focused on their own tournament. Karabatic insisted on the need to move forward without constantly recalling the defeat before each match. The memory of the loss can accompany the team's journey to Australia, with the French players tasked with writing the next chapter with the ball in their hands.