49ers beat Rams before 100,021 in Melbourne's first NFL game
The 49ers beat the Rams 27-7 at the MCG before 100,021 fans, the second-largest international crowd in NFL history.
San Francisco dominated Los Angeles in the first regular-season NFL game ever held in Australia on Friday night. The 100,021-strong crowd at the MCG was the second-largest international attendance in NFL history.
Quarterback Brock Purdy said the crowd was "into it the whole time" with chants and songs. Running back Christian McCaffrey rushed for a game-high 68 yards.
The win gave San Francisco a strong start to their season, though coach Kyle Shanahan had worried about the long travel. If the Niners return to Australia, Purdy said they must come in week one.
Mid-season travel is too difficult.
- 49ers 27, Rams 7
- Final score
- 100,021
- Attendance
- Second-largest international NFL crowd
- Crowd ranking
- 68 yards
- McCaffrey rushing yards
Why it mattersThe game marks a milestone for the NFL's global expansion and shows major Australian crowds will turn out for top-tier sports, even ones not traditionally popular here.
AustraliaVictoria has signed a deal to host at least two more NFL games over four years, potentially bringing more American sports events to Australian cities.
Corroborated by7news.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 7 h ago
