49ers and Rams take contrasting routes to Melbourne NFL opener
San Francisco has arrived early to prepare for Friday’s season opener, while the Los Angeles Rams plan to travel to Melbourne about 24 hours before the game.
The San Francisco 49ers have arrived in Melbourne several days ahead of their NFL season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, adopting an extended preparation schedule in Australia. The Rams, by contrast, plan to remain in the United States until about 24 hours before the match.
The 49ers held a light practice on Saturday, took Sunday off and scheduled three further practices from Monday to Wednesday before Friday’s game. The club is expected to leave immediately after the opener and return to the Bay Area on Friday afternoon, before preparing for a Week 2 meeting with Miami on 20 September.
Coach Kyle Shanahan said the 49ers followed advice about the physical effects of long-distance travel and the time difference. The Rams consulted their own scientists and selected the shorter-stay approach in the hope of limiting jet lag. Which strategy proves more effective may not be clear until after the game.
The 49ers’ preparation has also involved visas, passports, roster changes and player health planning. General manager John Lynch said staff had worked extensively to ensure the club had the correct roster and that players were ready to compete in Australia.
The logistical pressure increased when offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson joined the 49ers from Houston shortly before the trip and had to arrange a passport urgently. ABC7 Eyewitness News said correspondent J.R. Stone would provide live reports from Melbourne, alongside coverage from the Bay Area.
