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After last week's underwhelming showing against Japan, the head coach told his Ireland team to step up their game.

Ireland listened immediately.

The Irish side had faded late against the All Blacks and taken considerable time to find their rhythm versus their Asian opponents.

Nevertheless, against the Wallabies, they started powerfully, with the talented back shining most prominently during a 46-19 victory that represented Ireland's best display of the season.

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

"You know, I've experienced a pretty challenging run with injuries honestly," the athlete commented.

"I missed being in this team, I understand there's much talk about me not exactly being raised here and I didn't grow up here, but I adore this group and this feels like home.

"Any time I get to represent for Ireland it's a privilege, if you don't put in a performance you may not get that opportunity again.

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

Manager stated: 'Good athletes don't need excuses'

After twenty-eight caps on the wing, the player was given the full-back position for the first time with several players injured.

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

The 28-year-old had been in superb condition before physical issues ended his dream of making the international team.

Having returned recently, he suffered a foot problem that ruled him out for earlier fixtures.

Farrell had suggested that Hansen was particularly determined and these proved not hollow words as the ex- provincial player gave his coach a welcome selection dilemma for future matches.

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

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

"I said to him before the game, 'Excellent athletes don't need excuses, they can get on with it and just play naturally, you can get the player of the game if you choose,' and he went, 'Yes, I concur.'

"Therefore he's that type of performer, he prepares well, he's got a excellent approach to get across his preparation and so that's why he fitted straight back in and he was capable to perform naturally due to that."

Hansen's efforts also earned praise from the rival coach, who remarked he was the "standout Australian player" on the evening.

"In my view he was outstanding, his knowledge showed to the front," said the ex- international manager.

"Regrettably, Mack was likely the best Australian performer on the pitch. He's has a great skillset and he's such a strong competitor."

When asked about what makes the player a strong fit at the number 15 position, Farrell added: "Showing up in the center of the field is something that he demonstrates from the wing regardless, but I imagine he's better in position for that more often.

"His high ball play was excellent, wasn't it? I believed we didn't get bored of doing the right thing and that was putting the possession again on them to secure territory.

"Why that was the right thing to do is because it's the players of Mackie who was securing the balls returned, and additional teammates, so [it's] quite satisfying."

Outside the star performer, there were numerous encouraging aspects for Farrell.

Sam Prendergast was outstanding on his return to the number 10 jersey, the set piece and throw-in functioned smoothly and another teammate did not look uncomfortable in his first start in the forwards.

But perhaps most pleasing for the manager was the team bookending the game with multiple impressive spells.

The player's initial couple of scores occurred in the opening 11 moments while other teammates registered in the closing stages after the other team had scored, guaranteeing the Irish team concluded on a positive note.

"In my opinion we really let ourselves go and attacked the game straight from the beginning," stated Farrell.

"How we handled numerous aspects throughout the game, especially them responding just before the break and reorganizing ourselves and giving a performance like we did in the later stages, I thought as far as territory and being familiar with most of our game in that later period was really satisfying."

The might of South Africa are next up for the team, in what could be viewed as an unofficial decider to the previous season's tied two-Test contest on rival territory.

The coach's side will need to attain another level to defeat the back-to-back title holders, but the recent defeat of the Australian team was a significant step in the correct direction after an uninspiring start to their fall schedule.