Jarryd Hayne drops the ball playing for the San Francisco 49ers in their NFL regular season opener against the Minnesota Vikings. Photo / Twitter.
The Hayne Plane hit some early turbulence, but then steadied and helped the San Francisco 49ers to a 20-3 win against the Minnesota Vikings.
Former NRL star Jarryd Hayne had a horror start when he fumbled his first punt in the opening game of the 49ers' season.
The ball spilled to the ground and the Vikings pounced on it.
Hayne was furious with himself.
With six minutes left in the first quarter 49ers veteran running back Reggie Bush, who has struggled with injuries, limped off.
Hayne then became the number two option behind star running back Carlos Hyde and showed safe hands and powerful running.
Hyde, Hayne's room-mate during training camp, was the player of the game and scored two touchdowns - his first with a brilliant spin - to carry the 49ers to victory.
The 49ers today tweeted their seven inactive players for the match at Levi's Stadium, scheduled to begin at 2.20pm NZT - that included wide receiver DeAndrew White and running back Mike Davis.
Therefore, former Parramatta Eels fullback Hayne will be part of the 46-man squad.
"The Hayne Plane is all set for takeoff" trumpeted the statement on the San Francisco 49ers website.
In four pre-season games, Hayne led the 49ers with 175 rushing yards and averaged 18.1 yards per punt return on nine attempts.
Earlier this week, 49ers coach Jim Tomsula said Hayne's hopes would boil down to the 27-year-old rookie's versatility.
"Very confident in his ability to field a punt, but again, how much else can you do?" said Tomsula.
Meanwhile, one of America's greatest Super Bowl coaches has warned Hayne to buckle up, saying: "You're about to experience emotions beyond your comprehension".
Dick Vermeil, who took both Philadelphia and St Louis to title games, insists Hayne's NFL debut will far exceed any Test, Origin or NRL grand final experience.
Speaking with The Daily Telegraph, the two-time NFL Coach of the Year also urged the San Francisco 49ers to start the rookie punt returner against Minnesota at Levi's Stadium.
While Hayne has continually tried to play down his impending NFL debut, Vermeil said the experience would be nothing like the reigning Dally M medallist has ever experienced.
"Jarryd Hayne is about to experience an emotional sensation beyond his expectation," he said. "Beyond even what he can comprehend.
"I know he's obviously had some wonderful experiences in rugby.
"But what he's going to experience in the NFL season opener, it will be at least that twofold."
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