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After their previous disappointing showing against Japan, Andy Farrell challenged his Ireland squad to improve their performance.

Ireland listened immediately.

The Irish side had faded late against the All Blacks and required most of the match to get going versus Japan.

However, against Australia, they began strongly, with the talented back shining most prominently during a 46-19 victory that marked the team's finest display this year.

In his debut international appearance at the number 15 position, Hansen scored a three tries, competed excellently for aerial challenges and played exceptionally against the nation of his birth.

"Look, I've experienced a pretty challenging period with fitness issues honestly," the athlete commented.

"I missed being in this squad, I understand there's much talk about me not necessarily being born here and I didn't grow up here, but I adore this group and this seems like family.

"Whenever I get to play for the national team it's a honor, if you don't put in a performance you may not get that privilege again.

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

Manager declared: 'Good players require no excuses'

Following 28 caps on the wing, Hansen was entrusted the number 15 position for the first time with several teammates unavailable.

In his case, it was essentially a matter of continuing where he left off during the warmer months.

The experienced player had been in superb condition before injury ended his aspiration of making the international team.

Having returned recently, he suffered a lower body injury that made him unavailable for earlier fixtures.

Farrell had indicated that Hansen was especially determined and these proved not hollow words as the ex- provincial player gave his manager a welcome selection headache for upcoming matches.

"Well my initial reaction were, 'You need to play well in those different coloured boots!'," said Farrell, alluding to the player's decision to wear different boots.

"Actually I believed that was appropriate but apparently Mack just did that himself regardless. So he's attracted notice to himself before he's even begun.

"I said to him before the match, 'Good players don't need justifications, they can perform and just play naturally, you can win the player of the game if you choose,' and he went, 'Yes, I agree.'

"Therefore he's that kind of player, he prepares well, he's has a great approach to get across his preparation and thus that's why he fitted right into the team and he was able to be himself because of that."

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

"I thought he was super, his experience showed to the front," said the ex- national coach.

"Regrettably, Hansen was likely the best Australian performer on the field. He's has a great skillset and he's such a good contender."

When asked about what enables Hansen a strong option at the number 15 position, Farrell continued: "Showing up in the middle of the field is something that he demonstrates from the flank regardless, but I imagine he's better in place for that frequently.

"His aerial work was brilliant, wasn't it? I believed we persisted of doing the right approach and that was putting the ball back on them to secure territory.

"The reason that was the correct thing to do is because it's the likes of Mackie who was securing the balls back, and other players, so [it's] quite satisfying."

Outside the star performer, there were numerous positives for Farrell.

Sam Prendergast was excellent on his comeback to the number 10 position, the set piece and line-out functioned effectively and another teammate did not look out of place in his debut start in the forwards.

But perhaps more pleasing for Farrell was Ireland framing the match with two strong periods.

Hansen's initial two tries came in the opening 11 minutes while other teammates registered in the final exchanges after the opposition had crossed, ensuring the home team finished on a high.

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

"How we handled numerous elements during the match, especially the opposition coming back just before the break and reorganizing ourselves and giving a display like we did in the later stages, I thought as far as field position and being across most of our strategy in that later period was truly satisfying."

The strength of the Springboks are next up for the team, in what might be considered as an unofficial conclusion to the previous season's drawn multiple match series on opposition soil.

Farrell's team will need to reach a higher level to beat the back-to-back world champions, but Saturday's victory of the Wallabies was a significant step in the correct path after an uninspiring start to their fall schedule.