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Tough Hayne start but 49ers shine
AUSTRALIAN rugby league convert Jarryd Hayne endured a difficult debut for the San Francisco 49ers before the National Football League giants overpowered the Minnesota Vikings 20-3 on Monday.
Hayne, who only switched sports earlier this year, was a surprise inclusion in San Francisco coach Jim Tomsula’s starting lineup at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara for the long-awaited season-opener.
But the 27-year-old’s dream debut turned into a nightmare with his very first touch in the second quarter. He fumbled what should have been a straightforward punt return near the 43-yard line to concede a turnover.
Hayne was only a fleeting presence thereafter, upstaged by fellow running back Carlos Hyde, who rushed for two touchdowns to finish with 168 yards from 26 carries. Hayne finished with 13 yards from four carries.
Nevertheless, the Australian star put a positive spin on his display. “I just prepared the best I could and I’m definitely going to learn from this game,” Hayne told reporters.
“It was my first professional game. It started a bit shaky but it was good to get out there and get a couple of runs.”
Veteran 49ers kicker Phil Dawson — the second oldest player in the league at 40 years old — contributed the rest of San Francisco’s points with the boot, including two field goals.
Minnesota’s lone score was a Blair Walsh field goal in the fourth quarter from 37 yards.
It was a disappointing night for Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, anxious to make a big impression on his return to the game after missing most of last season through suspension for beating his son with a tree branch.
In the earlier game, the Atlanta Falcons held on to clinch a thrilling 26-24 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in a tense battle at the Georgia Dome.
Falcons receiver Julio Jones caught two TD passes while veteran kicker Matt Bryant slotted four field goals as Atlanta withstood a furious second-half Eagles onslaught to seal a first win for new coach Dan Quinn.
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