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!
Time out
49ers forced into a time out as the play clock ran out.
The Rams have cranked up the heat on defense and the Niners are having start lean into the run game to keep things interesting.
49ers 3, Rams 7
TOUCHDOWN!
Kyren Williams is into the end zone!
That close to the line, the Rams turn to the power running game and the running back forces the ball over the line.
The line did a great job of blocking and made the run look easy.
The first ever touchdown on Aussie soil!
49ers 3, Rams 7
END OF FIRST: 49ers 3, Rams 0
The Rams are in the red zone as we take a quick break for what is effectively quarter time.
The 49ers lead by three points but Stafford is a show stopper near the end zone so don’t go too far!
MUST-WATCH
Do not miss the halftime show with the Jonas brothers.
Donald!
Retirement didn’t get hold of Aaron Donald and he is back with the Rams for $20 million this season.
He gets an early snap alongside boom recruit Myles Garrett.
Garrett is a monster and has come over from Cleveland for three premium draft picks and a young edge-rusher.
49ers 3, Rams 0
Air balls
Stafford took a couple of long shots but he was not even close.
There is no doubt the 49ers look sharper to start this game and the Rams have to punt again.
Bosa and Warner were both dangerous again on defence and the Rams’ O-line will need to put some physical work into them to try and slow them down.
49ers 3, Rams 0
Field goal
The 49ers got within two yards of the endzone but have decided to kick the field goal on fourth down and take the three points.
A strong first set from the ‘visitors’ with Purdy throwing at 8/10.
Stafford’s turn to respond.
49ers 3, Rams 0
Out of bounds
The 49ers are rescued from a pick with McDuffie catching the high pass but landing with his foot on the sideline and out of bounds.
It allows San Francisco to get into the red zone and inside 10 yards of the end zone.
49ers 0, Rams 0
Kittle’s back
George Kittle is back from a torn Achilles and gets his first catch after an early drop.
He is a massive weapon for the 49ers who are already getting some of their stars into the game.
Deebo Samuels gets his first catch as well.
49ers 0, Rams 0
Three and out
The Rams’ first set goes nowhere and they punt the ball away.
We get our first look at Brock Purdy now.
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