Super Bowl LIVE: 49ers start strongly against Chiefs

12 Feb 2024

Brisbane Times

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9.51am

49ers swarm and get ball back

That turnover doesn’t result in San Fran conceding points. Their defence started very well, forcing the Chiefs to punt. While on punters, check out this piece from Jonathan Drennan on the 49ers Australian punter Mitch Wishnowsky.

Kansas City Chiefs - Figure 1 — Photo Brisbane Times

San Francisco 49ers punter Mitch Wishnowsky.Credit: AP

9.47am

Fumble by McCaffrey - Chiefs get the ball

Turnovers are real killers in the NFL. After looking great early, McCaffrey just hurt his team by losing the ball. The Chiefs now have great field position and are looking to turn the opportunity into points. Patrick Mahomes loves getting a start like this. 0-0

George Karlaftis of the Chiefs’ recovers the ball after a fumble from the 49ers.Credit: Getty

9.43am

Game on

The 49ers start by handing the ball off to Christian McCaffrey. On the second play, QB Brock Purdy scrambles and finds fullback Kyle Juszczyk. McCaffrey then has another good play. The Niners are cooking early.

San Francisco fullback Kyle Juszczyk takes a hit from Cheifs’ linebacker Nick Bolton.Credit: AP

9.38am

Coin toss

Kansas City have won the toss and elected to defer. That mean’s they will get the ball to start the second half. As this game is being played indoors at Allegiant Stadium, there’s no discernable advantage as to which end is better to run to.

Kansas City Chiefs - Figure 2 — Photo Brisbane Times

9.32am

‘Tongan Tiger’ gives nod to heritageBy Melissa Singer

San Francisco’s Talanoa Hufanga, AKA the “Tongan Tiger”, has paid homage to his father’s heritage by wearing a ta’ovola for his arrival at the stadium.

The traditional dress, which comprises a mat around the waist, is worn for formal occasions, and we think the Super Bowl definitely qualifies.

Hufanga has said of his family’s roots: “Football gives us a platform to represent our culture at its finest and the respect that we love to give. We just want to make sure our culture is heard and we just want to bring a good light and show people who we truly are.”

9.30am

Always gamble responsibly

People really will bet on anything...here’s a quick look at some of the novelty bets you could do for Super Bowl LVIII:

Usher - First song performed Colour of Usher’s jacketFirst coach shown during the national anthem What colour sports drink will be poured on the winning coach?

And, let’s not forget the Taylor Swift-specific hub:

Kansas City Chiefs - Figure 3 — Photo Brisbane Times

Will Travis Kelce propose to Taylor Swift? Number of times Taylor Swift is shown during the Super Bowl LVIII gameSwift songs mentioned in commentary Travis Kelce wins MVP and thanks Swift first in his speech

While we’re at it, we have our own Taylor Swift counter...enjoy!

9.30am

Let’s get down to business

The fanfare and two early Taylor Swift sightings are over and we’re about ready for some on-field action.

The team that’s best been able to save its energy for when it matters most will soon be evident.

My humble prediction - Chiefs win 23-17.

9.24am

Teams on the field - now time for Reba McEntire

The country music icon will perform the anthem this year. Get ready for some tears from players, and hands over hearts. Stopwatches will also be running - the time taken to belt out the Star Spangled Banner is always a popular betting option - apparently.

9.20am

Players enter the arena

The 49ers are making their way onto the field. The custom Boom Box is front and centre again. It’s understood the song blaring this week isn’t some shot at Taylor Swift (a Kanye song could have worked), rather it is Green Dot by Young Boy Never Broke Again. And no, due to lyrics, there will be no YouTube of that song appearing on this website.

9.19am

Which classic cuisine are you picking?

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