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Following their previous underwhelming showing against Japan, Andy Farrell challenged his Ireland team to step up their performance.

The team responded immediately.

Ireland had faded late against New Zealand and required most of the match to get going versus their Asian opponents.

Nevertheless, against Australia, they began powerfully, with the talented back shining most prominently during a comprehensive victory that represented Ireland's best display this year.

In his debut international start at the number 15 position, Hansen scored a three tries, contested brilliantly for high balls and played exceptionally against the country of his origin.

"You know, I've had a fairly difficult run with injuries really," the athlete stated.

"I longed for being in this squad, I know there's considerable talk about me not exactly being raised here and I wasn't raised here, but I love this team and this seems like family.

"Any time I have to represent for the national team it's a honor, if you don't put in a performance you might not receive that privilege again.

"My entire focus this week was to go out and do what I can do."

Manager declared: 'Good players don't need excuses'

Following twenty-eight caps on the flank, Hansen was given the full-back position for the initial time with multiple players injured.

For him, it was essentially a case of picking up where he left off during the warmer months.

The experienced player had been in excellent condition before physical issues ended his aspiration of making the international team.

After returned last month, he developed a foot injury that made him unavailable for earlier fixtures.

Farrell had suggested that the player was particularly determined and these proved not empty statements as the ex- provincial player gave his manager a welcome team headache for future matches.

"Well my first reaction were, 'You better play well in those different coloured boots!'," commented Farrell, referring to Hansen's decision to sport different boots.

"In fact I thought that was fitting but apparently Mack just made that himself regardless. So he's attracted attention to himself before he's even begun.

"I said to him before the game, 'Good players require no justifications, they can get on with it and just be themselves, you can win the man of the match if you choose,' and he went, 'Yes, I agree.'

"Therefore he's that kind of performer, he prepares thoroughly, he's got a excellent attitude to get across his detail and so that's why he fitted right into the team and he was able to be himself because of that."

The player's efforts also earned commendation from the rival manager, who remarked he was the "standout Australian performer" on the evening.

"I thought he was super, his experience showed to the fore," said the former national manager.

"Regrettably, Mack was likely the standout opposition performer on the pitch. He's got a excellent ability and he's such a good contender."

When asked about what makes Hansen a strong fit at full-back, Farrell added: "Appearing in the center of the pitch is something that he demonstrates from the wing anyway, but I imagine he's better in position for that more often.

"The player's high ball work was excellent, wasn't it? I thought we didn't get bored of doing the correct approach and that was putting the possession back on them to secure territory.

"The reason that was the right thing to do is because it's the likes of Mackie who was getting the balls returned, and additional players, so [it's] pretty satisfying."

Beyond Hansen, there were numerous positives for Farrell.

Another player was excellent on his return to the fly-half jersey, the scrum and line-out functioned effectively and different teammate did not look uncomfortable in his debut appearance in the front row.

But perhaps most satisfying for Farrell was Ireland bookending the game with two strong periods.

The player's first two tries came in the opening eleven moments while additional teammates registered in the closing exchanges after the other team had crossed, guaranteeing the Irish side concluded on a positive note.

"I thought we truly let ourselves go and attacked the game straight from the word go," said Farrell.

"How we managed numerous aspects during the game, especially them responding just before the break and regathering ourselves and producing a display like we achieved in the later stages, I believed as far as territory and being familiar with most of our game in that later period was truly pleasing."

The strength of the Springboks are next up for Ireland, in what could be considered as an unofficial conclusion to last year's tied two-Test series on opposition soil.

Farrell's side will require to attain a higher standard to beat the back-to-back title holders, but the recent victory of the Wallabies was a significant step in the correct path after an disappointing beginning to their autumn schedule.