The Rugby World Cup 2011 is 37 days away, but gamers and virtual sports fans will be able to kickoff the action a little sooner. Videogame publisher 505 Games and developer HB Studios has announced the commentary teams, for the upcoming Rugby World Cup 2011 official videogame, which will be released on 26 August for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.  

Representing the Southern hemisphere, in terms of commentating talent at least, is a man many  South Africa’s will know and hate, Sean Fitzpatrick, who captained the All Blacks side for five years (from '92-'97). Partnering with Fitzpatrick is Greg Clark, host of FOX Sports' INSIDE RUGBY. We would not have minded the voice of Hugh Bladen accompanying the action, but unfortunately no SA talent is included.

Sky Sports rugby commentators Stuart Barnes and Miles Harrison will head up the UK commentary team, covering all major rugby matches and tournaments in the game. Barnes is a former English rugby union fly-half that played for Newport RFC, Bristol, Bath and represented England as well as the British Lions at international level, whilst Harrison is the lead rugby union commentator for Sky Sports.

For those players who prefer a little French flair with their commentary, they can opt for the pairing of International Rugby Hall of Fame inductee (1999), Philippe Sella, also an IRB Hall of Fame inductee (2008), and Eric Bayle. Sella once held the record for most international rugby union appearances, whilst Bayle is lead rugby union commentator for Canal+.

Besides this commentating line-up, the official Rugby World Cup 2011 game will also offer four player simultaneous matchplay, online play via Xbox Live and PSN, an easy-to-use player editor as well as fully detailed 3D crowds. Don’t expect anything on par with FIFA 12 though.

 

So if the recent performance of the Springboks during the Tri Nations has you worried, you’ll soon be able to ensure that their virtual counterparts lift the William Web Ellis Cup.