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Following last week's underwhelming performance against Japan, the head coach told his Irish squad to step up their performance.

Ireland listened right away.

Ireland had struggled late against the All Blacks and required most of the match to find their rhythm versus Japan.

However, against the Wallabies, they started powerfully, with the talented back shining brightest during a 46-19 victory that marked the team's best display of the season.

Making his first test match appearance at full-back, the player registered a three tries, contested brilliantly for aerial challenges and performed outstandingly against the nation of his birth.

"You know, I've had a pretty challenging run with injuries honestly," Hansen stated.

"I longed for being in this squad, I understand there's considerable talk 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 get to play for the national team it's a honor, if you fail to deliver a performance you might not receive that privilege again.

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

Manager stated: 'Excellent players require no justifications'

After twenty-eight appearances on the flank, the player was given the number 15 position for the initial time with several teammates injured.

In his case, it was essentially a case of picking up where he left off during the summer.

The experienced player had been in excellent condition before physical issues disrupted his dream of joining the international team.

Having come back recently, he developed a foot problem that made him unavailable for previous matches.

The coach had indicated that Hansen was particularly determined and these proved not hollow statements as the former club player gave his coach a welcome selection headache for upcoming games.

"So my initial reaction were, 'You need to play well in those two colored shoes!'," commented Farrell, referring to the player's choice to wear different boots.

"Actually I thought that was appropriate but it seems Hansen just did that personally regardless. So he's attracted notice to himself before he's even started.

"I told to him before the match, 'Excellent 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 went, 'Yes, I agree.'

"So he's that type of player, he trains well, he's has a great approach to understand his detail and so that's why he fitted right into the team and he was able to perform naturally due to that."

The player's performance also received commendation from the rival manager, who stated he was the "standout Australian player" on the evening.

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

"Unfortunately, Mack was probably the best Australian performer on the pitch. He's got a excellent skillset and he's such a good contender."

When asked about what enables Hansen a good fit at full-back, Farrell added: "Showing up in the middle of the field is a trait that he demonstrates from the flank regardless, but I suppose he's more in position for that frequently.

"The player's aerial work was excellent, wasn't it? I believed we didn't get bored of doing the correct approach and that was placing the ball back on them to secure field position.

"Why that was the right strategy to do is because it's the likes of Hansen who was securing the possessions back, and other players, so [it's] quite pleasing."

Beyond the star performer, there were multiple positives for Farrell.

Sam Prendergast was outstanding on his return to the number 10 position, the set piece and throw-in operated smoothly and another teammate did not look out of place in his debut appearance in the front row.

But possibly more pleasing for the manager was the team bookending the game with two strong periods.

The player's initial couple of tries came in the opening 11 minutes while other teammates registered in the closing exchanges after the other team had crossed, ensuring the Irish team concluded on a high.

"In my opinion we truly let ourselves go and approached the game right from the beginning," stated Farrell.

"The way we handled various elements throughout the game, particularly them coming back just before the break and reorganizing ourselves and giving a performance like we did in the later stages, I thought as far as field position and being familiar with most of our strategy in that second half was truly satisfying."

The might of South Africa are awaiting for the team, in what might be viewed as an unofficial conclusion to the previous season's tied multiple match contest on opposition territory.

The coach's team will need to reach a higher level to beat the back-to-back title holders, but the recent defeat of the Wallabies was a important step in the correct direction after an uninspiring beginning to their autumn schedule.