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Jarryd Hayne Plays First Proper Game For San Francisco 49ers

Hayne Plane's Turbulent Start To Life In The NFL
San Francisco 49ers' Jarryd Hayne (38) fumbles a punt that was recovered by the Minnesota Vikings during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Monday, Sept. 14, 2015. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)
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San Francisco 49ers' Jarryd Hayne (38) fumbles a punt that was recovered by the Minnesota Vikings during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Monday, Sept. 14, 2015. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

After a brilliant preseason with the San Francisco 49ers, former rugby league star Jarryd Hayne laced up the boots on Tuesday for his first proper season game in the NFL.

It was a shaky start for the ex-Parramatta Eels fullback, dropping a punt return on his first injection into the match against the Minnesota Vikings.

It was an unfortunate start for Hayne, despite huge media attention and fan hype. Even Hollywood star Jeremy Renner, of 'The Avengers', hopped aboard the Hayne Plane phenomenon in the pre-game warm-up. "I think you're a beast... you'll crush it baby. Hayne Plane baby," Renner told journalist Brad Blanks.

He recovered though, lining up for a few run plays and taking a catch for a seven yard gain in the first half.

49ers star halfback Reggie Bush was injured midway through the game, which may open the door for Hayne to get more gametime.

ESPN Australia excitedly peppered us with every little Hayne update.

Some scattered Aussies were found in the crowd, repping Hayne and his #38 jersey.

It is Hayne's first regular season game for the 49ers, and he would no doubt have been buzzed by the electric atmosphere in San Francisco's home ground Levi's Stadium.

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