The Los Angeles Rams touched down in Australia on Thursday, preparing for a historic clash against the San Francisco 49ers. This marks the NFL's inaugural regular-season game in Australia, set to take place at the 100,000-seat Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
The Rams' schedule is tight, with the team spending roughly 36 hours in Melbourne between two 15-hour flights. Coach Sean McVay expressed confidence in this unusual strategy, stating, "We’re well-rested. We feel good." He noted that many players "got to sleep through the night" during the flight from Los Angeles.
Unlike the 49ers, who have been in Australia for over a week, the Rams opted for a shorter trip to focus on continuity and maintaining their body clocks on California time. Receiver Davante Adams acknowledged the limited fan interaction but said, "We did what we could (today), getting out and trying some coffee and getting out on the streets.”
McVay defended the travel plan, which has faced criticism in Australia, stating, “We wouldn’t do anything if we didn’t think it was best for our players.” He believes the plan will keep his team in a normal rhythm and routine, with the outcome against their NFC West rivals ultimately judging its wisdom.