Jarryd Hayne stars again for 49ers in NFL pre-season win over Dallas Cowboys

JARRYD Hayne has backed up his massive debut against Houston last week with another standout effort in the 49ers’ win over the Dallas Cowboys.

JARRYD Hayne has backed up his massive debut against Houston last week with another standout effort in the 49ers’ dominant 23-6 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

The code-hopping superstar impressed again in just his second pre-season outing — and second game ever — at Levi’s Stadium, featuring on special teams, and at running back.

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Hayne reeled off three superb punt returns, starting with a 27-yard return with his first touch of the game.

The strong field position kickstarted a drive that led to the first points of the game for the 49ers with a field goal giving them the early lead.

Hayne then backed it up with an even better 34-yard effort followed by a 23-yard return in the final two minutes of the first quarter which also resulted in another field goal.

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On his second return, Hayne caught a punt from fellow Australian Tom Hornsey, who is similarly vying for a spot on an NFL roster with the Cowboys. It was the first time an Aussie has punted to another Aussie in the NFL.

Lining up at running back in the third quarter, Hayne delighted the home crowd with a scintillating 34-yard run along the sideline that showcased his rugby league ability at palming off defenders, while using his sidestep and blistering pace.

If returning punts and playing at running back wasn’t enough, the 27-year-old also had a look-in with the kick coverage unit in the fourth quarter.

First game at home n got the W ! Feeling the love from down under. #49ers #australia #fiji #ctown #2566 LOVE ✌🏽️

— jarryd hayne (@jarrydhayne_1) August 24, 2015

Hayne was first to get to the Cowboys kick returner downfield, and though it didn’t stick, the tackle attempt slowed down the returner from making a play and allowed 49ers teammates to quickly clean him up.

The game was Hayne’s first opportunity to play in front of the San Francisco faithful, giving them a first glimpse of the walking highlights reel from Down Under.

“Well I can’t play quarterback,” Hayne said, when asked by a sideline reporter which position he can’t play.

“I’m just grateful for the opportunity and if there’s an opportunity to be on the field I’m there.”

While it has been an overwhelmingly positive preseason for Hayne, he admits there are some areas of his transition to NFL which he is still trying to master.

“I’m still getting used to lowering my pads and running off the right blocks,” Hayne said.

“There’s a whole bunch of things not one thing, I think the whole game in general.

“I’m just trying to my best every week, study it and just really enjoy the process.”

Hayne credited coach Tom Rathman for his remarkable development with the 49ers to date.

“He’s been great. Anyone that’s been under Tom knows what he’s like, the little intricacies that make a good running back. He’s been great, he doesn’t let anything slip and if something’s not right he’s on your back making sure you fix it up.

“I’m over here having a crack and doing my best. I’m focused on the game ahead.”

Is it premature to start debating what Hayne's touchdown dance might look like? I'm backing an original number, all footwork, no hips

— Melanie Dinjaski (@MelanieDinjaski) August 24, 2015

Hayne starred on debut against Houston last week with the longest rush, longest punt return and longest kick return for the 49ers and against Dallas gave coaches every reason to keep him on the final 53-man roster, finalised on September 5.

Hayne finished with three punt return for an average of 28 yards, and a long return of 34, and with eight carries at running back the Aussie topped the stats sheet with 54 yards total and a long rush of 34 yards.

For Hornsey the game did not go to plan. Despite some good hang time, the Geelong punter averaged 24.6 yards off four punts, with one inside the 20 yard line, a long punt of 52, but critically, a blocked punt that resulted in a San Francisco touchdown.

Hayne’s next big test will come against the Broncos next Sunday morning (Australian time) in Denver.

Re-live the 49ers’ win over Dallas with video and analysis in the blog below.

Originally published as Jarryd Hayne stars again for 49ers in NFL pre-season win over Dallas Cowboys