San Francisco 49ers Jarryd Hayne continues to get better every week: Jim Tomsula

Jarryd Hayne was the sole highlight of San Francisco 49ers’ crushing 47-7 defeat against Arizona Cardinals on Monday, leading the club’s only touchdown in the second quarter with a spectacular 37-yard punt return. It was a bad day for the 49ers, but coach Jim Tomsula was still able to praise Hayne, who continues to fight for more playing time on the pitch.

“Hayne Plane” took off in the second quarter of the 49ers’ defeat over the Cardinals, giving San Francisco the chance to score their first touchdown of the lopsided match. Tomsula was clearly disappointed with the loss, but was never short of praise for the Australian sensation.

“Jarryd continues to get better every week, he does,” Tomsula said, reports the Sydney Morning Herald . “He works his tail off.”

Hayne, who was the first choice punt returner against Arizona, was expected to play more minutes as running back, with Reggie Bush ruled out due to injuries. However, the 27-year-old Aussie was only seen on the field very few times. The 49ers’ loss followed last week’s defeat against Pittsburgh Steelers, when Hayne was also given little playing time.

Hayne’s longest ever punt return since his transition to American football happened when the 49ers were down 28-0 in the first half. The former Eel took the ball at full stride on his own 45 yard line, putting the Cardinals defenders in skates before being pushed out of bounds at the Arizona 10-yard line. Hayne’s play led to a touchdown moments later, with star quarterback Colin Kaepernick speeding into the end zone.

Meanwhile, Kaepernick took the blame for the 49ers’ shocking defeat at the University of Phoenix Stadium. Kaepernick’s struggle was evident on Monday, completing only nine out of 19 passes, along with four interceptions, and just a total of 67 yards.

“Today was 100 per cent my fault,” Kaepernick said, Fox Sports reported. “There’s nothing anyone in that locker room could’ve done to change that game today the way I played.”

The 49ers return to Levi’s Stadium for Monday’s game against Green Bay Packers, who are also expected to be a tough challenge for San Francisco.

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