The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams 27-7 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the first NFL regular-season game in Australia. Played in front of 100,021 fans on a Friday morning to accommodate U.S. primetime television broadcasts, the matchup drew the seventh-largest regular season crowd in NFL history, according to NBC Bay Area.
49ers Dominate Rams in Historic Melbourne Opener
Quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 205 yards and three touchdowns, connecting with three different receivers through the middle of the third quarter. Demarcus Robinson, Mike Evans, and Deebo Samuel each caught scoring passes from Purdy. The offensive performance marked a rare feat for 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, as touchdowns to three distinct receivers occurred for only the third time in his career, matching similar games against the Arizona Cardinals in 2019 and the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, as noted by Heavy.com.
Travel Disparities and Pre-Game Preparation
Much of the pregame discussion focused on the contrasting travel schedules chosen by the two NFC West rivals. According to Bleacher Report, the 49ers arrived in Melbourne nearly a week before kickoff to adjust to local time and conduct multiple practices. In contrast, the Rams traveled on a double-decker Qantas Airbus A380 arriving less than two days before the game, attempting to maintain Los Angeles time.
Former NFL head coach Eric Mangini discussed the logistical contrast on Fox Sports 1, questioning whether normal-sized lie-flat beds on the approximately 15-to-16-hour flight were adequate for professional football players, and noting the unique challenge of a 10:35 a.m. local kickoff. Following the victory, San Francisco’s social media accounts utilized sleep- and Australia-themed posts to troll the Rams over the differing preparation strategies.
Rams Offense Stifled by San Francisco Defense
The Los Angeles offense, which entered the season as a preseason Super Bowl favorite, struggled to establish a rhythm against the 49ers. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 15 of 25 passes for 155 yards and was intercepted by Renardo Green. Kyren Williams scored the game’s opening touchdown on a 5-yard rush in the second quarter—marking the NFL’s first regular-season score in Australia—but the Rams managed little else.
Defensively, San Francisco protected Purdy, who enjoyed a clean pocket across his first 34 dropbacks without taking a sack or facing more than four quarterback hits. Meanwhile, Rams outside linebacker Myles Garrett recorded zero tackles in his team debut after missing portions of training camp with injuries.
Key Game Statistics and Turning Points
- Final Score: San Francisco 49ers 27, Los Angeles Rams 7
- Attendance: 100,021 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Passing: Brock Purdy (205 yards, 3 TDs); Matthew Stafford (15/25, 155 yards, 1 INT)
- Scoring Plays: Kyren Williams (5-run); Demarcus Robinson (39-pass); Mike Evans (TD catch); Deebo Samuel (involvements via kickoff return and offense)
A pivotal moment occurred in the third quarter when the 49ers stopped Stafford on a fourth-and-goal quarterback sneak from the 1-yard line after wide receiver Puka Nacua was ruled down inches short of the goal line. San Francisco later sealed the contest with an 11-play, 99-directional yard drive culminating in a touchdown that extended their lead to 24-7.
Looking Ahead to Week 2
With the opening victory secured, the 49ers return to the United States to prepare for a home game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, September 20. The Rams fall to an 0-1 record and will host the New York Giants on Monday, September 21.
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