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Following their previous underwhelming performance against the Japanese team, Andy Farrell told his Ireland squad to improve their performance.

Ireland responded immediately.

Ireland had struggled in the final stages against the All Blacks and required considerable time to find their rhythm versus their Asian opponents.

Nevertheless, facing Australia, they began powerfully, with the talented back shining brightest during a comprehensive victory that marked the team's finest performance this year.

Making his debut test match start at the number 15 position, Hansen registered a three tries, competed brilliantly for high balls and played outstandingly against the country of his origin.

"You know, I've experienced a pretty difficult period with injuries honestly," Hansen stated.

"I missed being in this squad, I understand there's much talk about me not exactly being born here and I wasn't raised here, but I love this group and this seems like family.

"Any time I get to play for Ireland it's a privilege, if you fail to deliver a performance you may not get that privilege again.

"My whole approach this period was to go out and perform what I can do."

Manager declared: 'Excellent athletes don't need excuses'

After twenty-eight caps on the wing, Hansen was given the full-back role for the first time with multiple teammates unavailable.

In his case, it was essentially a case of picking up where he finished during the warmer months.

The 28-year-old had been in excellent condition before physical issues disrupted his dream of making the Test squad.

After returned last month, he developed a lower body injury that made him unavailable for previous matches.

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

"So my first thoughts were, 'You better play well in those two coloured boots!'," commented Farrell, referring to the player's decision to sport mismatched footwear.

"In fact I thought that was appropriate but it seems Mack just did that personally anyway. So he's drawn attention to himself before he's even begun.

"I said to him before the game, 'Excellent players require no justifications, they can get on with it and just be themselves, you can get the player of the game if you want,' and he responded, 'Yes, I concur.'

"Therefore he's that kind of player, he trains thoroughly, he's has a excellent attitude to get across his preparation and thus that's why he fitted right into the team and he was capable to be himself because of that."

Hansen's performance also received commendation from the rival coach, who stated he was the "standout Australian performer" on the night.

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

"Unfortunately, Hansen was probably the best opposition performer on the pitch. He's has a excellent skillset and he's such a strong competitor."

When asked about what enables Hansen a strong fit at the number 15 position, Farrell continued: "Showing up in the center of the pitch is something that he demonstrates from the wing anyway, but I imagine he's better in place for that more often.

"His high ball play was brilliant, wasn't it? I believed we didn't get bored of doing the correct thing and that was placing the possession again on them to gain territory.

"The reason that was the correct thing to do is since it's the players of Hansen who was getting the balls back, and other teammates, so [it's] quite pleasing."

Outside the star performer, there were numerous encouraging aspects for the coach.

Sam Prendergast was outstanding on his comeback to the fly-half jersey, the set piece and throw-in functioned effectively and different teammate did not look out of place in his debut appearance in the forwards.

But possibly more satisfying for the manager was the team bookending the match with multiple impressive spells.

Hansen's initial couple of scores came in the first eleven moments while other teammates registered in the final stages after the opposition had scored, guaranteeing the Irish side finished on a high.

"I thought we truly performed freely and approached the game straight from the beginning," said Farrell.

"The way we managed numerous aspects during the match, especially them responding just before half-time and regathering ourselves and producing a performance like we achieved in the later stages, I thought as far as field position and being familiar with most of our strategy in that second half was really satisfying."

The strength of South Africa are next up for the team, in what could be viewed as an informal decider to the previous season's drawn two-Test series on rival territory.

The coach's team will require to attain a higher standard to beat the consecutive world champions, but the recent defeat of the Australian team was a significant advancement in the correct path after an disappointing start to their fall campaign.