The bold call that paid off for France against Ireland – and why it is controversial

There is an exchange in Rob Reiner’s seminal comedy classic The Princess Bride that came to mind while watching France’s dismantling of Ireland. Peering out from behind a door, Billy Crystal’s Miracle Max is trying to turn away Inigo Montoya and the hulking Fezzik, played memorably by Andre the Giant.

“Beat it or I’ll call the Brute Squad,” Max snaps, before Fezzik replies: “I'm on the Brute Squad.”