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Following last week's disappointing performance against Japan, Andy Farrell told his Ireland squad to step up their game.

The team listened immediately.

The Irish side had struggled in the final stages against New Zealand and required considerable time to find their rhythm versus Japan.

However, against the Wallabies, they started strongly, with the talented back shining most prominently during a 46-19 triumph that represented Ireland's best performance this year.

Making his debut international appearance at the number 15 position, Hansen registered a three tries, contested brilliantly for high balls and performed outstandingly against the nation of his birth.

"You know, I've experienced a pretty challenging run with fitness issues honestly," Hansen commented.

"I missed being in this squad, I know there's considerable discussion about me not necessarily being born here and I didn't grow up here, but I love this team and this seems like home.

"Whenever I get to represent for the national team it's a honor, if you fail to deliver a good showing you might not get that privilege again.

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

Manager stated: 'Good players don't need justifications'

Following 28 appearances on the flank, the player was given the full-back position for the first time with several players unavailable.

In his case, it was simply a case of continuing where he finished during the warmer months.

The experienced player had been in superb condition before physical issues ended his aspiration of joining the Test team.

Having come back recently, he developed a lower body injury that made him unavailable for previous fixtures.

The coach had indicated that Hansen was particularly motivated and these proved not hollow statements as the ex- provincial player gave his coach a welcome team headache for upcoming games.

"Well my first reaction were, 'You better perform excellently in those two colored shoes!'," said Farrell, alluding to the player's decision to wear different footwear.

"In fact I thought that was appropriate but apparently Hansen just did that personally regardless. So he's drawn attention to himself before he's even begun.

"I said to him before the game, 'Excellent athletes don't need excuses, they can perform and just play naturally, you can win the player of the game if you choose,' and he went, 'Yeah, I agree.'

"So he's that kind of player, he trains well, he's got a excellent attitude to understand his detail and thus that's why he slotted right into the team and he was able to perform naturally because of that."

The player's efforts also earned commendation from the rival coach, who remarked he was the "exceptional opposition player" on the night.

"I thought he was outstanding, his knowledge was evident to the fore," said the former national manager.

"Regrettably, Mack was probably the best opposition player on the pitch. He's has a excellent ability and he's such a strong contender."

Pressed about what makes Hansen a strong fit at full-back, the coach added: "Showing up in the middle of the field is a trait that he demonstrates from the wing regardless, but I imagine he's better in position for that frequently.

"His aerial work was excellent, don't you think? I believed we persisted of doing the right approach and that was putting the ball again on them to secure field position.

"Why that was the correct thing to do is because it's the players of Hansen who was getting the possessions back, and additional players, so [it's] quite satisfying."

Beyond Hansen, there were multiple positives for the coach.

Sam Prendergast was outstanding on his return to the number 10 position, the scrum and throw-in operated smoothly and different player did not look out of place in his debut appearance in the forwards.

But perhaps more pleasing for Farrell was the team bookending the match with multiple strong spells.

The player's initial couple of tries came in the first eleven moments while other players registered in the final exchanges after the other team had crossed, guaranteeing the Irish side finished on a high.

"I thought we really performed freely and attacked the game straight from the word go," said the coach.

"The way we managed numerous elements throughout the match, especially them responding just before half-time and regathering ourselves and giving a display like we did in the later stages, I thought as far as field position and being familiar with most of our game in that second half was truly satisfying."

The strength of South Africa are next up for the team, in what could be considered as an informal conclusion to the previous season's drawn multiple match contest on opposition territory.

The coach's side will need to reach a higher standard to defeat the consecutive world champions, but Saturday's defeat of the Wallabies was a significant advancement in the right direction after an uninspiring start to their autumn campaign.