JARRYD Hayne lived his NFL dream on Tuesday, debuting for the San Francisco 49ers in their season-opening 20-3 win against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Australian rugby league convert was selected ahead of receiver DeAndrew White and running back Mike Davis because of his stellar performances as a punt returner in the preseason — but endured a nightmare start to the game when he fumbled his first catch.

It was a shattering start on one of sport’s biggest stages — upwards of 15 million Americans tune in to watch Monday night football every week, where a 30-second commercial costs more than $400,000.

But the 49ers kept faith with Hayne and he responded by making a couple of nice plays during the game.

Despite his early trouble and underwhelming final statistics of four carries for 13 yards, one catch for seven yards, one punt return for no gain and one fumble, there was a silver lining for the former NRL star.

A first quarter injury to 49ers running back Reggie Bush has potentially opened a spot for Hayne as a back-up to Carlos Hyde — who starred in the game by racking up 168 yards and two touchdowns.

If Bush’s calf strain keeps him out of next week’s game against Pittsburgh, Hayne may be handed an increased role in San Francisco’s offence and return game.

FIRST QUARTER — HAYNE MUFFS FIRST PUNT RETURN

Both teams missed opportunities to kick field goals in the opening quarter.

San Francisco opened the game with an impressive 70-yard, 11-play drive but failed to score because Phil Dawson’s 28-yard field goal attempt was blocked and returned 45 yards to the Minnesota 26-yard line.

Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater took over but failed to connect on three pass attempts, leaving Blair Walsh with a 46-yard field goal — which he missed.

Reggie Bush — the 49ers’ back-up running back and potential punt returner — injured his calf on San Francisco’s next drive and was ruled out for the rest of the game.

Hayne’s first touch came after the 49ers forced a Minnesota punt — but it was a nightmare start for the Aussie.

Jeff Locke’s punt dropped shorter than Hayne anticipated and he dropped the ball, which was recovered by the Vikings. His first touch in the NFL was a fumble.

“This is a crazy game ... that ball ate him up,” commentator Trent Dilfer said. “There’s a bit of wind in the stadium tonight but that is an inexcusable mistake for Jarryd Hayne.”

Minnesota couldn’t convert the turnover into points, handing the ball back to the 49ers on downs. The first quarter finished scoreless.

SECOND QUARTER — 49ERS KEEP FAITH WITH HAYNE, TAKE 7-0 LEAD

In a positive sign, Hayne was trusted to return another punt for the 49ers early in the second quarter. But Locke shanked the kick and it sailed out over the sideline — preventing Hayne from responding to his earlier mistake.

Hayne saw his first time at running back on the following drive. He managed only one yard on his first carry but followed it with a nice catch and run. Needing 19 yards for a first down, Hayne made Vikings cornerback Terence Newman miss but was knocked out of bounds after picking up seven yards. The 49ers were forced to punt.

San Francisco continued the defence-dominated half by holding the Vikings to 18 yards on five plays on their following drive. Hayne fielded the punt and returned it 11 yards, but the play didn’t count because of a penalty against Quinton Patton for running into the kicker.

The 49ers offence took over on their own 15-yard line and finally got some reward for their superior work in the first half. Running back Carlos Hyde (12 carries for 83 first half yards) was huge as the 49ers drove the ball 93 yards in 11 plays and capped it with the first score of the game. Hyde performed a wicked spin move to find space and run the ball in for a touchdown.

At half-time Hayne’s statistics were: two rushes for four yards, one catch for seven yards, one return for no gain and one fumble.

THIRD QUARTER — HAYNE FINDS A LANE

The Vikings produced their equal second longest drive of the match to start the third quarter but were forced to punt after being stopped at midfield.

Bruce Ellington was brought in to return the punt (perhaps an indication Hayne has been asked to focus on back-up running back duties) and made a fair catch at the 49ers’ 16-yard line.

San Francisco continued to have its way with the Vikings defence, reeling off another long drive which included a strong nine-yard run up the middle from Hayne. But penalties stalled the march towards the endzone and the 49ers’ settled for a 30-yard field goal to take their lead to 10-0.

The Vikings responded by taking the ball 66 yards down field to move within 19 yards of the endzone when the third quarter ended.

FOURTH QUARTER — HYDE HOGS THE LIMELIGHT

The Vikings finally hit the scoreboard with a 37-yard field goal but the 49ers responded immediately.

Hyde had six carries for 42 yards on another long drive, which he capped with his second touchdown to make the score 17-3. Hayne had one carry for no gain on the possession.

The Vikings chances of fighting back into the game ended with a Bridgewater interception. Tramaine Brock made the pick and Tomsula continued to ride the hot hand of Hyde as he took his game totals to 23 carries for 151 yards.

The 49ers were stopped short of the end zone but Dawson made no mistake to score his second field goal of the game and make the score 20-3.

More strong defence saw the Vikings turn the ball over on downs before Hyde put the finishing touches on a stellar display by running out the clock.