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Following last week's underwhelming performance against the Japanese team, the head coach challenged his Irish squad to improve their game.

The team listened immediately.

Ireland had faded in the final stages against New Zealand and required considerable time to find their rhythm versus their Asian opponents.

However, against Australia, they started strongly, with the talented back excelling most prominently during a comprehensive victory that represented Ireland's finest performance of the season.

In his first international appearance at the number 15 position, Hansen scored a three tries, contested excellently for aerial challenges and played outstandingly against the nation of his origin.

"Look, I've experienced a fairly challenging run with fitness issues really," the athlete stated.

"I missed being in this squad, I know there's much talk about me not necessarily being born here and I wasn't raised here, but I adore this group and this feels like home.

"Whenever I get to represent for Ireland it's a privilege, if you don't put in a good showing you might not receive that privilege again.

"My whole approach this week was to take the field and do what I can do."

Manager stated: 'Excellent players don't need excuses'

Following 28 caps on the flank, Hansen was given the full-back position for the first time with multiple teammates injured.

For him, it was simply a matter of picking up where he finished during the warmer months.

The experienced player had been in excellent form before injury ended his dream of making the international team.

Having returned recently, he developed a lower body problem that made him unavailable for earlier fixtures.

Farrell had suggested that Hansen was especially motivated and these proved not hollow words as the ex- provincial player gave his manager a positive selection dilemma for upcoming matches.

"So my first reaction were, 'You need to perform excellently in those two colored boots!'," said the coach, alluding to the player's decision to sport mismatched boots.

"In fact I thought that was fitting but apparently Hansen just did that personally anyway. So he's attracted notice to himself before he's even started.

"I told to him before the match, 'Good athletes don't need excuses, they can get on with it and just play naturally, you can get the man of the match if you choose,' and he responded, 'Yes, I agree.'

"So he's that kind of performer, he prepares thoroughly, he's got a great approach to get across his detail and thus that's why he fitted right back in and he was able to be himself because of that."

Hansen's performance also received praise from the opposing manager, who remarked he was the "exceptional Australian player" on the night.

"In my view he was outstanding, his knowledge showed to the fore," commented the former national coach.

"Unfortunately, Mack was likely the best Australian player on the pitch. He's got a great ability and he's such a good contender."

Pressed about what makes Hansen a strong option at full-back, the coach continued: "Appearing in the center of the field is something that he demonstrates from the flank anyway, but I suppose he's more in position for that frequently.

"His high ball play was excellent, don't you think? I thought we persisted of doing the right approach and that was placing the ball again on them to gain field position.

"The reason that was the correct strategy to do is because it's the likes of Mackie who was getting the possessions back, and other teammates, so [it's] pretty satisfying."

Beyond the star performer, there were multiple encouraging aspects for the coach.

Another player was excellent on his return to the number 10 jersey, the scrum and line-out functioned effectively and another teammate did not look out of place in his debut appearance in the forwards.

But possibly more pleasing for the manager was Ireland framing the game with multiple impressive periods.

Hansen's initial couple of scores came in the opening eleven moments while additional players scored in the closing exchanges after the other team had scored, ensuring the Irish side finished on a high.

"In my opinion we truly performed freely and attacked the game straight from the word go," stated the coach.

"How we handled various elements throughout the match, particularly the opposition responding just before the break and regathering ourselves and producing a display like we achieved in the second half, I thought as far as territory and being familiar with most of our game in that second half was really pleasing."

The might of the Springboks are next up for Ireland, in what could be considered as an unofficial decider to the previous season's tied two-Test contest on opposition soil.

Farrell's team will require to reach a higher level to defeat the consecutive title holders, but the recent victory of the Australian team was a significant advancement in the correct path after an disappointing start to their autumn schedule.