49ers begin Melbourne preparations as Rams await arrival
San Francisco has held its first game-week practice at AAMI Park ahead of Friday’s match against the Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The San Francisco 49ers have begun preparing in Melbourne for Friday’s NFL season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, with the team holding its first game-week practice at AAMI Park.
According to a Yahoo Sports report carried by The Associated Press, the 49ers left California last Wednesday and arrived in Australia on Friday. The team was described as mostly recovered from the long flight by Monday.
Players had a day to explore Melbourne, with some attending an Australian Football League match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The venue will host the season opener, which the source describes as the first NFL regular-season game played in Australia.
Coach Kyle Shanahan said the team had needed several days to adjust to the journey. Running back Christian McCaffrey also said the group was refreshed and enthusiastic about the experience.
The Rams remain in the United States and are due to arrive in Melbourne on Thursday, leaving the 49ers with an earlier start to their game-week preparations.
