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After their previous disappointing showing against Japan, the head coach challenged his Ireland team to improve their performance.

The team listened immediately.

Ireland had faded in the final stages against New Zealand and taken most of the match to get going versus Japan.

Nevertheless, against the Wallabies, they started strongly, with Mack Hansen excelling brightest during a 46-19 victory that marked the team's finest performance this year.

Making his first international appearance at the number 15 position, Hansen registered a three tries, contested brilliantly for high balls and played exceptionally against the nation of his origin.

"Look, I've experienced a fairly difficult period with injuries honestly," Hansen commented.

"I longed for being in this team, I understand there's much discussion about me not exactly being raised here and I didn't grow up here, but I love this team and this seems like home.

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

"My entire focus this period was to take the field and do what I could do."

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

After 28 caps on the flank, the player was entrusted the number 15 position for the first time with several teammates injured.

For him, it was simply a case of continuing where he left off during the warmer months.

The 28-year-old had been in superb form before injury disrupted his dream of joining the international squad.

After come back last month, he developed a lower body injury that made him unavailable for earlier fixtures.

The coach had suggested that Hansen was particularly motivated and these proved not empty words as the ex- club player gave his manager a welcome selection headache for future games.

"So my first thoughts were, 'You better perform well in those different coloured boots!'," said Farrell, alluding to the player's decision to wear different footwear.

"In fact I believed that was appropriate but it seems Hansen just made that himself regardless. So he's attracted notice to himself before he's even started.

"I told to him before the match, 'Good athletes require no justifications, they can perform and just play naturally, you can get the player of the game if you want,' and he went, 'Yes, I concur.'

"Therefore he's that kind of performer, he trains well, he's has a excellent approach to understand his preparation and so that's why he slotted right into the team and he was able to be himself because of that."

The player's performance also received praise from the opposing coach, who stated he was the "exceptional opposition performer" on the evening.

"I thought he was outstanding, his experience showed to the fore," said the former international coach.

"Unfortunately, Mack was likely the best Australian player on the field. He's got a excellent ability and he's such a good competitor."

Pressed about what makes the player a good option at full-back, Farrell added: "Appearing in the middle of the field is a trait that he demonstrates from the wing regardless, but I imagine he's more in place for that frequently.

"His aerial work was excellent, don't you think? I thought we didn't get bored of doing the right approach and that was placing the ball back on them to secure territory.

"The reason that was the correct strategy to do is since it's the likes of Mackie who was securing the balls returned, and additional teammates, so [it's] pretty satisfying."

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

Another player was outstanding on his return to the fly-half position, the scrum and throw-in operated effectively and different player did not appear out of place in his first appearance in the forwards.

But perhaps more satisfying for Farrell was the team framing the match with two strong spells.

Hansen's first two scores occurred in the first eleven moments while additional teammates scored in the closing exchanges after the other team had scored, ensuring the home side concluded on a positive note.

"I thought we really performed freely and attacked the match straight from the beginning," stated Farrell.

"How we managed numerous elements during the match, particularly them coming back just before the break and reorganizing ourselves and producing a performance like we achieved in the later stages, I believed as far as field position and being across most of our game in that second half was truly satisfying."

The might of South Africa are awaiting for Ireland, in what might be considered as an unofficial conclusion to last year's drawn multiple match series on opposition territory.

The coach's team will require to reach another level to beat the consecutive title holders, but the recent victory of the Wallabies was a important advancement in the correct direction after an disappointing beginning to their fall campaign.