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After their previous underwhelming showing against Japan, Andy Farrell told his Ireland squad to step up their game.

The team listened right away.

The Irish side had struggled late against the All Blacks and taken most of the match to find their rhythm versus Japan.

However, against Australia, they started powerfully, with the talented back excelling brightest during a comprehensive triumph that marked the team's finest display of the season.

Making his first test match appearance at the number 15 position, the player registered a three tries, contested excellently for aerial challenges and performed outstandingly against the nation of his birth.

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

"I missed 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 adore this group and this seems like family.

"Any time I get to play for Ireland it's a privilege, if you don't put in a good showing you may not receive that privilege again.

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

Manager declared: 'Excellent players don't need justifications'

After twenty-eight appearances on the flank, Hansen was given the number 15 role for the initial time with several teammates unavailable.

In his case, it was simply a case of continuing where he finished during the warmer months.

The 28-year-old had been in superb condition before physical issues disrupted his aspiration of joining the Test squad.

Having come back last month, he developed a lower body problem that ruled him out for previous matches.

Farrell had indicated that Hansen was particularly motivated and these turned out to be not hollow words as the ex- club player gave his manager a positive selection dilemma for future games.

"Well my first reaction were, 'You need to perform well in those different colored boots!'," said Farrell, alluding to Hansen's decision to sport different boots.

"In fact I believed that was appropriate but apparently Mack just did that himself anyway. So he's drawn notice to himself before he's even started.

"I told to him before the match, 'Good players don't need justifications, they can get on with it and just play naturally, you can get the man of the match if you choose,' and he responded, 'Yeah, I concur.'

"So he's that type of player, he prepares well, he's got a excellent approach to understand his detail and thus that's why he slotted right into the team and he was capable to perform naturally because of that."

Hansen's performance also received commendation from the opposing coach, who stated he was the "exceptional Australian player" on the night.

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

"Regrettably, Hansen was likely the standout Australian performer on the pitch. He's got a excellent ability and he's such a strong competitor."

Pressed about what makes the player a strong option at the number 15 position, Farrell added: "Appearing in the middle of the pitch is a trait that he does from the flank regardless, but I imagine he's better in place for that more often.

"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 possession again on them to gain territory.

"Why that was the right strategy to do is since it's the likes of Hansen who was getting the balls back, and additional teammates, so [it's] quite satisfying."

Outside Hansen, there were multiple positives for Farrell.

Another player was excellent on his return to the number 10 jersey, the set piece and throw-in operated smoothly and different player did not appear uncomfortable in his debut appearance in the front row.

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

Hansen's initial couple of scores came in the first eleven minutes while additional teammates scored in the closing exchanges after the other team had scored, guaranteeing the home team finished on a high.

"In my opinion we truly let ourselves go and attacked the game straight from the word go," said the coach.

"How we managed numerous elements during the game, especially them coming back just before the break and regathering ourselves and producing a display like we achieved in the second half, I thought as far as field position and being familiar with the majority of our strategy in that later period was really pleasing."

The might of the Springboks are awaiting for Ireland, in what might be viewed as an informal conclusion to last year's tied two-Test series on rival territory.

The coach's team will need to attain another level to beat the back-to-back world champions, but the recent victory of the Australian team was a important advancement in the correct path after an disappointing start to their autumn schedule.