NFL: History was made at the MCG as San Francisco beat LA for the first NFL victory on Australian soil!
The LA Rams and San Francisco 49ers did battle at our country’s most famous sporting arena, with the match serving as each team’s season opener in the first week of the new campaign.
The two powerhouse franchises took polar opposite approaches to the considerable travel challenge. The Niners arrived a week out from the game in an attempt to acclimatise to Australia, while the Rams got to Melbourne barely 24 hours before kick-off in a hit-and-run approach.
Recap all the action and the spectacle of the day here.
Key Events
That’s a wrap!
That brings an end to Australia’s first foray into the NFL.
It was a spectacular show that will draw even more attention when it returns next year.
But don’t forget we have a massive AFL final tonight between Fremantle and Geelong and we’ll be back for that!
Underdog wins
The “W” went to the underdog San Francisco 49ers, 27-7, as the Los Angles Rams, Super Bowl favourites, found out the hard way that jet lag comes for us all.
Man of the match
49ers head coach Kyle Shannahan gave the match ball to defender Fred Warner.
He was the leading tackler in the game and got a vital strip-tackle in the fourth quarter to make sure the Rams were no chance of a come back.
They finish their day with the Lord’s Prayer and focus will now shift to week two.
Robinson
Demarcus Robinson scored an early touchdown and says he’d be happy to come back to Australia.
“It felt like a home game for us,” he said.
The 49ers were rewarded for being here a week early with a legion of new fans.
Legend’s stamp
NFL legend Jerry Rice has given Melbourne the NFL stamp of approval.
Rice is a Hall of Fame reciever who won three Super Bowl titles with the San Francisco 49ers.
And he loved the atmosphere of a packed MCG!
‘Humbling’
“I didn’t do a good enough job having us ready to go.”
Sean McVay says his side were humbled today by the 49ers. He isn’t blaming the late travel plans but it played a part.
He had plenty of good things to say on playing in Australia though. If they come back they may spend a little longer here.
“This will only define us if we let it,” McVay repeats.
‘Love you Aussies’
49ers superstar Deebo Samuels has shared his love for playing in Australia after the win.
“Man it was good to come out here and enjoy the atmosphere,” he told Seven.
“We spent the week out here. Amazing fans, amazing stadium and it’s good to get back on this plane with a dub.
“It’s a pretty loud crowd for sure. I loved when (the Rams) came out here they were booing.”
He also added he thought coming here early was vital.
“I don’t think you can fly 16 hours and be ready to play,” he said
“I just know, all week, we had a good week of practise and preperation. We got the job done.”
FULLTIME: 49ers 27, Rams 7
The Niners claim the very first MCG NFL clash in a dominant performance.
Purdy threw for three touchdowns and 205 yards while Stafford was blocked up with just 155 pass yards and no end zone hits.
The 49ers defence also looked outstanding with Warner back to his best while Bosa was strong on the line all day.
Six figures!
The MCG has packed in 100,021 people for this game.
And it looks incredible. There has been a few reports of a bad view for those sitting on the fence line at ground level but the higher seats have gotten their money’s worth.
Rams concerns
Rams linebacker Nate Landman has a shoulder concern and is getting assessed.
He won’t come back on given we are into the final two minutes of the game.
49ers 27, Rams 7
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