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Following their previous disappointing showing against the Japanese team, Andy Farrell told his Ireland squad to improve their game.

Ireland listened immediately.

Ireland had struggled late against New Zealand and required considerable time to get going versus Japan.

Nevertheless, against the Wallabies, they started strongly, with the talented back excelling most prominently during a comprehensive triumph that represented Ireland's finest performance of the season.

In his first test match start at full-back, the player scored a three tries, competed brilliantly for aerial challenges and played outstandingly against the nation of his origin.

"You know, I've experienced a fairly challenging run with fitness issues honestly," 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 team and this seems like family.

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

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

Coach stated: 'Good athletes don't need justifications'

After 28 appearances on the wing, the player was given the number 15 role for the initial time with multiple teammates injured.

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

The 28-year-old had been in superb form before injury ended his dream of making the international squad.

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

Farrell had indicated that Hansen was particularly determined and these proved not empty statements as the former club player gave his manager a positive selection dilemma for future matches.

"Well my initial reaction were, 'You better play well in those two colored boots!'," commented Farrell, alluding to the player's decision to wear mismatched boots.

"Actually I thought that was fitting but apparently Hansen just made that personally regardless. So he's attracted notice to himself before he's even begun.

"I told to him before the game, 'Excellent players don't need excuses, they can get on with it and just be themselves, you can win the player of the game if you want,' and he responded, 'Yeah, I concur.'

"Therefore he's that kind of performer, he prepares thoroughly, he's has a excellent attitude to get across his preparation and thus that's why he fitted straight back in and he was able to perform naturally because of that."

The player's efforts also earned commendation from the rival manager, who stated he was the "exceptional opposition player" on the evening.

"In my view he was super, his knowledge was evident to the front," commented the former national coach.

"Unfortunately, Mack was probably the standout opposition performer on the pitch. He's got a excellent skillset and he's such a good competitor."

Pressed about what makes Hansen a good fit at the number 15 position, Farrell continued: "Showing up in the middle of the field is a trait that he demonstrates from the flank anyway, but I imagine he's better in place for that frequently.

"His aerial play was brilliant, don't you think? I thought we persisted of doing the right approach and that was putting the ball again on them to secure field position.

"The reason that was the correct thing to do is since it's the likes of Mackie who was getting the balls back, and other teammates, so [it's] quite pleasing."

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

Another player was excellent on his return to the number 10 position, the scrum and throw-in operated smoothly and another teammate did not appear out of place in his debut start in the forwards.

But perhaps most satisfying for the manager was the team framing the match with multiple strong periods.

The player's first couple of scores came in the opening eleven minutes while additional teammates registered in the closing exchanges after the opposition had crossed, ensuring the Irish side finished on a positive note.

"I thought we truly let ourselves go and attacked the match straight from the word go," said Farrell.

"How we managed numerous elements throughout the game, especially them responding just before half-time and reorganizing ourselves and producing a display like we did 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 truly satisfying."

The might of South Africa are awaiting for Ireland, in what might be considered as an informal decider to the previous season's drawn two-Test series on opposition soil.

The coach's team will need to reach another standard to beat the consecutive title holders, but the recent defeat of the Wallabies was a significant step in the correct direction after an disappointing beginning to their autumn campaign.