Aussie’s Super Bowl dream ends in heart-breaking fashion

Australian punter Mitch Wishnowsky’s hopes of competing for the Super Bowl have been dashed after his San Francisco 49ers were defeated 20-17 by the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship at SoFi Stadium game on Monday (AEDT).

Wishnowsky looked on track to make his second Super Bowl appearance in the last three seasons with the 49ers leading 17-7 heading into the fourth quarter.

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However, a Rams fight back led by quarterback Matthew Stafford saw the home side level the game at 17-17 with 6:53 to play.

Wishnowsky’s former college teammate at the University of Utah, Matt Gay, then connected on what turned out to be the game-winning kick to put the Rams up by three points with 1:46 left on the clock.

The 49ers had one last chance to get back into the contest, but quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was intercepted by Travis Howard and Stafford was able to kneel for the remainder of the game to seal victory for the Rams.

For his part, Wishnowsky had five punts for an average of 37.6 yards per kick during the contest, including three punts downed inside the opponent’s 20 yard-line.

His second punt of the game was an inch-perfect 37-yarder that was downed by the 49ers on the Rams’ 3-yard line.

However, the Rams proved to be too strong in the end, behind Stafford’s 337 passing yards and two touchdown throws.

Rams praise defence after winning through to Super Bowl

Speaking after the game, Stafford said he never lost faith the Rams could overcome the deficit to secure their sport in Super Bowl LVI.

“That was an unbelievable performance by our team,” Stafford said.

“Didn’t start the way we wanted it to, but guys battled.”

I said it in the locker room there’s no way we’re not going to win this damn game. Our guys put their mind to it, came out here and did it and I’m so proud of this group, man.”

Stafford also heaped praise on Los Angeles’ defensive unit, who came up with a crucial play on the 49ers’ final drive.

“I’ve got total trust and confidence in that defence, they’ve been unbelievable all year,” Stafford said.

“Way to freaking ice the game, man. I Loved it. I’d rather be out there playing but they came through and what a great play to end it.”

It has been a fairytale run for Stafford, who joined the Rams during the offseason after 12 luckless seasons with the Detroit Lions.

“I’m blessed to be a part of this team, with this group of guys, this coaching staff,” Stafford said.

“You can’t write this story any better. I’m at a loss for words. I’m just having a blast playing ball with these guys and shoot, we’ve got one more at the home stadium, so let’s get it done.”

The Rams will now take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium on Monday February 14 (AEDT).

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