NFL: History is being made at the MCG as an NFL fixture gets played in Australia for the first time!
The LA Rams and San Francisco 49ers are doing battle at our country’s most famous sporting arena, with the match serving as each team’s season opener in the opening week of the new campaign.
The two powerhouse franchises have taken a polar opposite approach 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.
Follow all the action and the spectacle of the day with our live coverage below, with the opening kick set for 8.35am WA time.
And a reminder: You can tune into the game live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport!
Key Events
‘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
Hard count
San Fran tried to make the Rams jump off side feining a second go-for-it on fourth but the hard count didn’t work and they take a time out.
Pineiro hits the upright with the field goal attempt and it bounces away from the goal and is no good.
A small window for the Rams?
49ers 27, Rams 7
Footage shows gruesome injury as NFL players helped off field
Injury carnage is ripping through the much-anticipated NFL game in Melbourne on Friday, as two San Francisco 49ers players were struck down on the MCG’s turf.
49ers tight end Jake Tonges was forced off the field during the second quarter of San Francisco’s blockbuster game against the LA Rams thanks to a knee injury.
Gruesome footage shows Tonges falling to the grass as Rams defensive end Myles Garrett dodges his tackle.
Earlier, 49ers receiver De’Zhaun Stribling was ruled out of the game after suffering an ankle injury during the second quarter.
Shotgun
Stafford has dropped into the shotgun and is looking to make the big throws.
But he is missing some wide-open plays that the reigning MVP is just too good to mess up.
There is no doubt he’s rusty and it’s cost his team because the 49ers are all over their run game.
The Rams go for it on 4th and five but the throw from Stafford is too long and San Francisco can now just wind the clock down with a couple of first downs.
49ers 27, Rams 7
20 points
The 49ers pop through another field goal and this one is just about over.
There is 9.43 left on the clock and the Rams need to score three touchdowns.
49ers 27, Rams 7
Punch it
The Rams are not living up to their Super Bowl favouritism and its hard not to think the late arrival is playing a part.
Warner punches the ball out of Higbee’s arms and San Fran recover it for a turnover.
LA have just not been sharp and a part from an early patch in the second quarter, have not been on top of the contest.
They are going to need something big from Stafford to get anything out of this.
DEEBO!
Purdy and Deebo link up for a 15-yard TD and the 49ers are right on top now.
Purdy has nearly doubled Stafford’s passing yards and it’s the difference in the game.
49ers 24, Rams 7
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