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Following their previous underwhelming performance against Japan, Andy Farrell challenged his Ireland squad to improve their game.

Ireland responded right away.

Ireland had faded late against New Zealand and taken considerable time to get going versus their Asian opponents.

Nevertheless, against the Wallabies, they began powerfully, with Mack Hansen excelling most prominently during a comprehensive victory that represented the team's finest display this year.

Making his debut international appearance at the number 15 position, the player scored a hat-trick, competed brilliantly for high balls and performed exceptionally against the nation of his birth.

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

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

"Any time I get to play for the national team it's a honor, if you fail to deliver a performance you may not receive that opportunity again.

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

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

After twenty-eight appearances on the wing, the player was given the number 15 role for the first time with multiple players unavailable.

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

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

After returned last month, he suffered a lower body injury that ruled him out for earlier matches.

Farrell had suggested that Hansen was particularly determined and these proved not empty words as the former provincial player gave his coach a positive selection headache for upcoming games.

"So my first thoughts were, 'You need to play excellently in those two colored boots!'," commented the coach, referring to the player's decision to sport mismatched boots.

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

"I told to him before the match, 'Good athletes require no justifications, they can perform and just be themselves, you can win the player of the game if you want,' and he went, 'Yes, I concur.'

"So he's that kind of player, he prepares thoroughly, he's has 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 because of that."

Hansen's performance also earned praise from the opposing manager, who stated he was the "exceptional opposition performer" on the night.

"I thought he was super, his knowledge showed to the front," commented the former national manager.

"Regrettably, Hansen was probably the standout opposition performer on the pitch. He's got a excellent ability and he's such a good contender."

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

"The player's aerial play was brilliant, wasn't it? I believed we persisted of executing the right thing and that was putting the ball back on them to secure field position.

"The reason that was the correct strategy to do is because it's the players of Mackie who was securing the balls back, and additional teammates, so [it's] pretty satisfying."

Beyond Hansen, there were numerous encouraging aspects for the coach.

Another player was excellent on his return to the fly-half jersey, the scrum and throw-in operated effectively and another player did not appear uncomfortable in his debut start in the front row.

But possibly more satisfying for Farrell was the team framing the game with two impressive spells.

The player's initial two scores came in the opening eleven moments while other teammates scored in the final stages after the other team had crossed, ensuring the home side finished on a positive note.

"I thought we truly performed freely and approached the match straight from the word go," said the coach.

"How we handled numerous elements throughout the game, particularly them coming back just before half-time and reorganizing ourselves and giving a performance like we achieved in the second half, I thought as far as territory and being familiar with the majority of our game in that later period was truly pleasing."

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

The coach's side will need to attain a higher standard to beat the consecutive title holders, but Saturday's defeat of the Wallabies was a important advancement in the right direction after an uninspiring beginning to their fall campaign.