49ers paint the town red with dominant showing against 'embarrassing' Rams

• LISTEN LIVE TO THE MATCH
• LA Rams will host the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL’s first regular-season game in Australia
• The Jonas Brothers sung John Farnham's 'You're the Voice' to wow the MCG crowd
• Rams running back Kyren Williams scored the first touchdown but the 49ers are in the lead

It’s felt like an eternity since the NFL announced it was going to play a regular season game in Melbourne on the eve of Super Bowl LIX.

But after a year and a half of waiting, the clash between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers is finally upon us here at the MCG.

With both teams loaded with superstars and Super Bowl ambitions, it should prove to be a belter as the divisional rivals look to start the 2026 season with a win.

Make sure to catch all the big moments by following along with SEN.com.au’s live blog of NFL Melbourne.

1:26pm - FULL TIME

The game was over early on in the fourth quarter, but the result is now secured.

The San Francisco 49ers have walked away as the victors with a commanding 27-7 victory against the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. It means their perfect record in international games is maintained, having won their fourth match.

While the Rams got the first touchdown of the game, it was the 49ers' game from there on out.

Brock Purdy responded well after giving an interception, throwing three touchdowns for 205 yards, with their passing game proving too hard to stop thanks to the likes of Deebo Samuel, Demarcus Robinson and Mike Evans catching.

It sees their season start 1-0 and serves as a great reminder of the talent they have which had largely been injured throughout 2025.

The Rams are left to respond next week.

1:21pm - Paper planes in full flight

With the result secured, the fans are keeping themselves entertained with an old pastime.

Using the paper from the pre-match flag displays, those able are turning them into projectiles with some even landing on the field.

The paper planes are in full force at the 'G, getting far bigger cheers than any Ram has received all day.

1:18pm - Pineiro misses

For the first time today, Eddy Pineiro has missed the uprights, leaving the 49ers unable to extend their lead having hit the right post.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground has experienced its first doink.

What a sight to behold!

49ers 27-7 Rams (2:18 left in the fourth quarter)

1:10pm - Graham: The Rams have been embarrassed

As the 49ers cruise to victory in Melbourne, Ben Graham believes this is the ultimate win for San Francisco having 'embarrassed' the Rams at their home game.

"This has been a real win-win for the 49ers," Graham said on SEN's NFL call.

"They've won off the field with the work they've done during the week.

"They're going on to win, unless the Rams can pull out something special.

"The win on the field for the Rams, I mean, it couldn't be any worse, because this is their home game.

"They are one of four teams with the marketing programme, the ability to grow their brand in Melbourne.

"They think that they've done that, but they're embarrassed by the 49ers and what they did this week."

1:03pm - MCG attendance

100,021 is the official crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Three shy of a full capacity.

12:59pm - Pineiro continues his form

Eddy Pineiro is proving to be a master of his craft at the MCG.

The kicker has nailed his second field goal of the match. Certainly the better of the two having nailed this one from 56 yards.

49ers 27-7 Rams (9:43 left in the fourth quarter)

12:53pm - Another turnover from the Rams

It's not been a day the Rams would be proud of from a playing point of view.

The ball has been fumbled out by tight end Tyler Higbee resulting in a recovery by the 49ers.

There is a clear difference between the side that acclimatised and the side that didn't

49ers 24-7 Rams (10:43 left in the fourth quarter)

12:44pm - Advantage 49ers

That might be the match won.

Continuing on from their drive in the third quarter, San Francisco continued to charge down the field.

That resulted in Deebo Samuel taking the ball into the end zone for his first and San Fran's third for the day.

Pinero maintains his perfect record and the 49ers have a 17 point lead.

Hard to see them losing from here.

Gerard Whateley: "They're painting the town red."

"It's a big lead now."

Ben Graham: "Wow wee, we just have been talking about Brock Purdy and his journey, but Deebo Samuel's impact on this game now, with that touchdown they are loving it!

"The 49ers on the sideline, the 49ers fans in the crowd. They came here to shock the NFL world, and it's working."

49ers 24-7 Rams (12:57 left in the fourth quarter)

12:40pm - 49ers closing in on victory

Only one quarter to go here at the MCG!

Having extended their lead through Mike Evans, San Francisco's defence played their part by shutting out the Rams.

Any score from the 49ers in this drive could really put a bow on the result here.

They have the ball in the opposition half, giving them every chance of getting a score.

49ers 17-7 Rams (end of third quarter)

12:31pm - Rams fall agonisingly short

The Rams have gotten as close as you can to scoring without scoring.

Having spent the entire down within the 10-yard line, they couldn't get the ball into the end zone across four attempts, getting within a whisker.

It was an understandable risk, but one that hasn't worked, leaving them beholden to the 49ers with a multi-score lead.

The play is under review to see if the ball has crossed the line. But it's just backed up the referee's decision.

49ers 17-7 Rams (3:41 left in the third quarter)

12:15pm - 49ers get off to the perfect second half star

What a way to start the second half!

Just like they did in their opening drive in the first half, the 49ers have got points on the board.

This time around it's a touchdown rather than a field goal, with Mike Evans scoring his first touchdown in 49ers colours.

It started off right from the kick-off with returner Deebo Samuel getting the ball to the halfway line which was then followed by two double-digit runs by running back Christian McCaffrey.

Ben Graham: "The big players, the guns of the 49ers offence have come to play."

"Deebo Samuel with that 45 yard kickoff return, McCaffrey 14 yards, another 16 yard play and even the, the (Kaelon) Black run up the middle; it opened up.

"For the 49ers, Demarcus Robinson was a hair away from breaking free of Quentin Lake for a touchdown, but this has been a very impressive drive to open the second half."

The pressure is on the Rams now...BIG time.

49ers 17-7 Rams (11:03 left in the third quarter)

12:08pm - Jonas Brothers surprise with Farnham cover

I can't say I expected the Jonas Brothers to cover John Farnham's 'You're the Voice'.

But it was certainly fitting and was a big hit with the crowd who all got around, as they did with their major hit in 'Sucker'.

But it's back to the main act with the 49ers and Rams back on the field.

11:55am - HALF TIME

The first half of NFL Melbourne is done and dusted.

It's certainly been an interesting 30 minutes here at the MCG with a little bit of everything from long-range touchdowns to aerial interceptions.

The 49ers have the lead and have dominated the passing game in comparison to the Rams. This has traditionally been a strength for Los Angeles so it's been a solid job by San Francisco's secondary unit.

The Rams will also need to improve their conversion rates on third down which have prevented them from getting further down the field.

Now it's time for the half-time show featuring the Jonas Brothers!

49ers 10-7 Rams (end of second quarter)

11:46am - Tongues coming off

The 49ers have got the ball back, but it appears one of their players has come off injured from their first play of the drive.

Tight end Jake Tonges appears to be hobbling off the field, with medical staff needed to help him.

He had not recorded a yard for the game before the injury.

11:35am - The deep ball does the trick

That's as good as you'll get from Brock Purdy as his throw is met with the hands of Demarcus Robinson.

The wide receiver beats his man and was out the back leaving the quarterback with little choice with a 39-yard reception.

Eddy Pinero makes the extra point look as easy as can be.

The 49ers are back in the lead. But it comes as no surprise to Ben Graham, noting they had been coming.

Ben Graham: "I felt points were coming, didn't think they were gonna come that quick, but what a great read by Brock Purdy.

"It was a five-step drop. He saw the route by Robinson, he knew there was a seam, and he got it over the top, and in stride, Demarcus Robinson scores the touchdown."

49ers 10-7 Rams (4:28 left in the second quarter)

11:26am - 49ers even the ledger (for interceptions)

In the (partial) words of DJ Khaleed, it's another interception.

This time it's Matthew Stafford's turn to turn the ball over.

He attempts the throw towards the right corner to Puka Nacua which would have had them in the red zone.

But instead, it finds the hands of Renardo Green. The ball is now on their 13 yard line.

49ers 3-7 Rams (8:21 left in the second quarter)

11:17am - INTERCEPTION!

Quentin Lake has picked off Brock Purdy's pass and Los Angeles have possession once more.

Purdy tried to throw it to tight end George Kittle who had plenty of cover.

The Rams get the ball back on the 31-yard line in their end of the field.

"It was a fake hand off and it was slow," Ben Graham said.

"By the time George Kittle ran his route, he was covered and it was a brilliant piece of reading the eyes of the quarterback."

"It was a great defensive play by Quentin Lake, who they picked on in the 1st quarter (and he) comes up with a big interception."

49ers 3-7 Rams (12:04 left in the second quarter)

11:10am - Rams score the first touchdown

Kyren Williams has made history at the MCG, becoming the first man to score a touchdown in the NFL.

The running back drives up the middle and gets into the end zone.

The extra point from kicker Harrison Mervis get them to a lead of four points

49ers 3-7 Rams (14:51 left in the second quarter)

11:08am - First quarter sees the Rams get back towards scoring

It's taken them right until the final seconds of the first quarter, but Los Angeles has managed to land a big drive down the field.

A big play from their first wide receiver option, Puka Nacua, taking a catch towards the right-hand side of the field, sees a 41-yard reception and gets the Rams within the 10.

A run of three yards Kyren Williams (running back) gets them to five yards. They choose to take the timeout, which draws an end to the first quarter.

49ers 3-0 Rams (end of first quarter)

11:04am - How can the Rams stop the 49ers passing offence?

There is plenty of receiving talent wearing the white, gold and red for Brock Purdy to throw to in this match.

And as Ben Graham explains, that is going to cause headaches for the Rams.

Graham: "What Brock Purdy did in that opening drive was he shared the ball around, and he's got options."

"Mike Evans, with the 3 receptions from 3 targets, George Kittle, he's gonna play a big role in this game, 2 receptions from 4 targets, Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey, Kaelon Black, DeMarcus Robinson.

"So Brock Purdy really now has set this game up with the Rams defence, they've gotta work out who to double cover, which is gonna leave,

"Some really favourable matchups for the 49ers."

10:50am - San Francisco is on the board

First drive, first points.

A good start from the 49ers with kicker Eddy Pineiro chipping it in from 20 yards out.

They drove down the field methodically, with the majority of it coming through the passing of Brock Purdy as noted by SEN's expert commentator Ben Graham.

"Outstanding opening drive from the San Francisco 49ers to the city end of the MCG," Graham explained.

"Eddy Pineiro chips it through. It was dominated by the pass game: Brock Purdy, 9 from 12, for 58 yards on that drive, only the 2 carries, but there were a lot of looks that they gave the Rams defenders, which I think are setting some plays up down the track.

"They're picking on Quentin Lake (safety for the Rams)."

49ers 3-0 Rams

10:42am - 49ers start well

The 'away' team is starting well

Having shut down the Rams' first drive with a three-and-out, the 49ers have now made their way down the field just outside the red zone (inside 20 yards of a touchdown).

But it almost ends in disaster with new recruit and cornerback Trent McDuffie nearly intercepting quarterback Brock Purdy's pass.

10:34am - IT'S NEARLY GO TIME!!!

We've had the national anthem sung by Cody Simpson. We've had the US National anthem sung, we've had the fly-over and the coin toss by G-Flip...and Eddie McGuire.

Kick-off is just moments away now.

The 49ers are kicking off with the Rams heading towards the Punt Road end (left of your radio dial)

10:27am - How will the different preparations affect the match?

One of the big storylines surrounding the match has been the difference between the two sides' preparations.

The Los Angeles Rams are copying their playbook from their game in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars last year, when they flew in, played and flew out in a similar manner to what they have done in Melbourne.

The only difference is the flight to the Victorian capital is certainly a lot longer than just a Transatlantic flight.

The San Francisco 49ers, meanwhile have decided to spend the entire week in Australia to get their bodies aligned with local time.

This leads Super Bowl 52 MVP and Netflix commentator Nick Foles to wonder how it will effect the game.

"I asked a lot of guys what they thought. I talked to sports science guys I play with. I talked to high-performance individuals (about) what's the best way," Foles told SEN.

"From a sports science perspective, it was the acclimation period.

"Get here 7 to 8 days before, let your body fully acclimate, and there's the reason why.

"The reason why, and listen, it doesn't mean that's who's gonna win the game.

"It just might give you a slight competitive advantage, but what happens is between those lines.

"But what I'm looking at most and what I'm talking to people is the hydration, right?

"Being in a plane that long, air pressure, all those different things is like, you might feel good. Like I didn't feel too bad after 24 hours. I felt OK.

"But if I had to go perform at a high level for a long time, for three hours, how is my hydration gonna, you know, be?

"49ers are fully acclimated. They're gonna be hydrated, ready to go.

"I'm curious to see the second half of this matchup if the Rams have issues with hydration."

10:10am - Empty seats few and far between

Despite having a capacity of 100,024, it's hard to see that there will any spare.

10:02am - I can feel it's going to be a success: MCC CEO

With the NFL's arrangement with the Victorian Government, we know today will not be the last time that the league comes down under.

But what defines a successful event?

MCC CEO Stuart Fox joined Gerard Whateley pre-game to run through what the ground would consider a success.

"I can feel it's gonna be a success," Fox said on NFL on SEN.

"You can feel Melburnians and all the tourists embracing it.

"I think success, looks like the NFL wanting to come back, and our community embracing the event.

"I think they're the two factors for me.

"The output of the game's irrelevant, really but I do think it's the NFL wanna come back to Melbourne, and I know they do.

"They love the stadium, and it's about us embracing it.

"So if you could do this year on year, you imagine how incredible, it's gonna be for our state."

9:53am - Both teams are on the field

It might be the Rams' home game at the MCG but the fans have made themselves heard on whom they'll be supporting.

Both teams have run onto the field with the 49ers (who have been in Melbourne all week) receiving plenty of support while Los Angeles received plenty of boos.

Will be interesting to see if this lasts beyond the initial kick-off.

9:48am - NFL Melbourne is living up to the hype off the field

Having called the last eight Super Bowls for SEN, there are few who have experienced a similar environment to Gerard Whateley.

But even this might just be bigger in terms of what's going around the grounds.

Whateley: "The case (of) what's happening outside is even bigger than what has happened around the Super Bowls that I've been to."

"I can't remember the parklands being quite like this."

9:12am - Crowds slowly coming in

We're just under 90 minutes from kick-off at the 'G, but the crowds are streaming in.

There were plenty of queues across the eight entry points heading into the ground which is only going to get longer.

8:50am - Goodell: It's an honour to play at the MCG

There have been plenty of big-name guests who have featured on SEN's Fireball.

But none might be as big and as powerful as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

The league boss spoke with SEN's Jordan Kounelis a short time ago, expressing his admiration for being able to play at the MCG.

"This is an iconic stadium, so playing here is an honour," he said.

"But we do have a lot of interest in other markets, and we'll see how that works out.

"I think we want to get through this game."

8:40am - The reigning DPOY is in the building

With the Rams going all-in once again for a Super Bowl, no player signifies that more than Myles Garrett.

The two-time Defensive Player of the Year was traded to Los Angeles for a king's ransom (Jared Verse, a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick and a 2029 third-round pick) to bring him across.

He's one of the players to watch on the defensive side of the ball.

 8:30am – Welcome to the live blog!

Hello to all that are joining us on this special occasion!

Gerard Whateley told us back in June that September 11th is going to be amazing and if the atmosphere around the NFL Campus here at Yarra Park is anything to go by, it’s that and more.

The whole week has been abuzz with interest in the NFL, with plenty of paraphernalia around the nearby streets and pubs.

Let’s hope that translates into an exciting match that will leave those in attendance and watching wanting more.