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Following their previous disappointing performance against Japan, Andy Farrell told his Irish squad to improve their game.

The team responded right away.

The Irish side had faded late against New Zealand and taken considerable time to find their rhythm versus Japan.

Nevertheless, facing Australia, they began powerfully, with the talented back shining brightest during a 46-19 victory that represented the team's finest display this year.

In his first test match start at the number 15 position, Hansen registered a three tries, contested brilliantly for aerial challenges and performed outstandingly against the nation of his origin.

"You know, I've had a pretty challenging period with fitness issues really," Hansen stated.

"I missed being in this team, I know there's considerable discussion about me not necessarily being raised here and I wasn't raised here, but I adore this group and this seems like home.

"Whenever I have to play for Ireland it's a privilege, if you don't put in a performance you might not get that opportunity again.

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

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

Following twenty-eight caps on the flank, the player was given the full-back role for the first time with multiple players unavailable.

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

The 28-year-old had been in excellent form before injury ended his dream of joining the Test squad.

Having returned last month, he suffered a lower body problem that ruled him out for previous fixtures.

The coach had suggested that Hansen was especially determined and these proved not empty words as the former provincial player gave his coach a positive selection dilemma for upcoming matches.

"So my initial thoughts were, 'You need to perform excellently in those two colored shoes!'," said Farrell, referring to the player's decision to sport different boots.

"Actually I thought that was fitting but it seems Mack just did that personally anyway. So he's attracted attention to himself before he's even started.

"I told to him before the match, 'Good athletes require no justifications, they can get on with it and just play naturally, you can win the player of the game if you choose,' and he went, 'Yeah, I agree.'

"Therefore he's that type of player, he prepares well, he's got a great attitude to get across his detail and thus that's why he slotted right into the team and he was capable to perform naturally because of that."

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

"In my view he was super, his knowledge was evident to the fore," said the ex- international coach.

"Regrettably, Hansen was likely the standout opposition player on the field. He's got a great skillset and he's such a strong competitor."

When asked about what enables Hansen a good option at full-back, Farrell continued: "Appearing in the middle of the field is something that he demonstrates from the flank regardless, but I suppose he's more in position for that more often.

"His high ball work was brilliant, don't you think? I thought we persisted of doing the right thing and that was placing the possession again on them to gain territory.

"The reason that was the correct thing to do is since it's the likes of Mackie who was securing the balls returned, and other teammates, so [it's] pretty satisfying."

Beyond Hansen, there were multiple positives for the coach.

Sam Prendergast was excellent on his return to the number 10 position, the set piece and line-out operated effectively and another player did not appear out of place in his first appearance in the forwards.

But possibly more pleasing for the manager was Ireland framing the game with multiple impressive spells.

The player's initial couple of tries came in the first 11 minutes while other teammates scored in the final stages after the opposition had scored, guaranteeing the home side finished on a high.

"I thought we really performed freely and approached the match straight from the beginning," stated Farrell.

"How we managed numerous elements during the game, especially them coming back just before half-time and reorganizing ourselves and producing a performance like we did in the later stages, I believed as far as territory and being familiar with the majority of our strategy in that second half was truly pleasing."

The strength of the Springboks are next up for the team, in what might be viewed as an informal conclusion to the previous season's tied multiple match contest on opposition soil.

The coach's team will need to attain another level to defeat the back-to-back world champions, but the recent victory of the Australian team was a important step in the correct path after an uninspiring beginning to their fall schedule.