I don’t think one should dismiss this movie just because it’s about rugby!
There have been PLENTY of movies about football (The Blindside, anyone?) where far fewer people around the world understand the game (even here for that matter!) and yet have a good story behind them.
I think Clint found this story inspiring, and found the subplot with Mandela even more intriguing, and given a chance to make an important “statement” movie…went for it!
Whether he succeeded or failed depends on your point of view. Obviously, the effort wasn’t one of his best movies…but sometimes the ol’ liberal in him just can’t help himself when given the chance to make “history”.
My advice, Clint…stick to westerns and crotchety ol’ men stuck in a world they have trouble understanding…
