In a historic first for the league, the NFL opened its 2026 season with a game played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Los Angeles Rams faced their NFC West rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, on Thursday morning local time. While the 49ers arrived in Australia almost a week early to adjust to the time difference, the Rams touched down only 28 hours before kickoff, still operating on Los Angeles time.
Travel strategy under scrutiny
Rams head coach Sean McVay told The Athletic that the team would treat the short‑notice arrival as a test of resilience. “We’re not going to make a big deal of it,” McVay said. “We’ve got a long way to go, but we’ll be ready when the three‑hour window we’re allotted comes.” In contrast, the 49ers consulted sleep experts and practiced multiple sessions to ensure the roster was fully adjusted.
Game flow
The 49ers came out energized, maintaining intensity on both offense and defense. They built a 17‑7 lead by halftime and extended it early in the second half. The Rams managed a first‑quarter touchdown, but quarterback Matthew Stafford struggled with accuracy throughout the contest. After an early interception by the 49ers’ defense, the Rams failed to capitalize on a fourth‑and‑goal opportunity, and San Francisco responded with a touchdown to make it 27‑7.
Stanton’s backup, Stetson Bennett, entered the game after the Rams’ defense surrendered a 99‑yard drive that resulted in a 49ers touchdown. The Rams’ defense, which had started strong, faded as the game progressed, allowing the 49ers to dominate the scoreboard.
Key players and missing pieces
Defensive end Myles Garrett, acquired in a high‑profile trade with the Cleveland Browns, recorded no statistics in his debut, battling a lingering knee issue. Veteran Aaron Donald did not travel to Australia, postponing his much‑anticipated return from retirement. These absences contributed to the Rams’ lack of fire on both sides of the ball.
Implications for the season
The loss puts the Rams at a disadvantage early in the season, but the NFL’s 17‑game schedule still offers ample opportunity for recovery. The team will face a 15‑hour flight back to the United States, giving coaches a chance to reassess travel logistics for future international matchups.
Both franchises will likely review their preparation methods. The 49ers’ extended acclimation period appears to have paid dividends, while the Rams’ decision to arrive just before kickoff may prompt a reevaluation of how teams handle overseas travel in the years ahead.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
