Three rushing touchdowns from different players have proved enough for the Indianapolis Colts to record a 27-7 win over the San Francisco 49ers at Candestick Park in the NFL.

Colts running back Trent Richardson got off to a dream start at Candlestick Park on his debut, finishing off an opening drive of 80 yards with a touchdown carry of a single yard.

San Francisco responded strongly as Frank Gore helped drive the hosts downfield, with Kendall Hunter levelling things up with a 13-yard run into the endzone.

Midway through the second quarter the Colts took full advantage of Reggie Wayne's first catch of the night to get into field-goal rage, with Adam Vinatieri making no mistake from 43 yards.

The 49ers lost safety Raymond Ventrone through concussion late in the first half, with the Colts holding on for a 10-7 advantage at the break.

Vinatieri's 41-yard effort early in the third quarter edged the visitors further ahead, but his failed effort from over 50 yards early in the fourth gave the 49ers some late hope.

49ers quarterback Colin Kapernick continued to struggle, though, early in the fourth quarter, with a sack compounding his misery.

With time running out, the Colts made sure of their second win of the season with a pair of late touchdowns. Andrew Luck was the first to go over after some clever disguise from the quarterback created running space.

Two minuted later Ahmad Bradshaw got in on the act, rounding off an impressive display by smashing into the endzone from close range.