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After last week's disappointing performance against the Japanese team, the head coach told his Irish team to improve their game.

The team responded immediately.

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

However, against the Wallabies, they began powerfully, with the talented back shining most prominently during a 46-19 victory that marked the team's best display this year.

Making his first test match start at full-back, the player scored a three tries, contested excellently for aerial challenges and performed exceptionally against the nation of his origin.

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

"I missed being in this squad, I know there's considerable talk about me not necessarily being born here and I didn't grow up here, but I adore this team and this seems like family.

"Whenever I have to represent for the national team it's a honor, if you don't put in a good showing you may not get that opportunity again.

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

Coach declared: 'Good players don't need excuses'

After twenty-eight appearances on the wing, Hansen was entrusted the full-back role for the initial time with several players unavailable.

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

The experienced player had been in superb form before injury ended his aspiration of joining the international squad.

After returned last month, he developed a lower body injury that made him unavailable for earlier matches.

Farrell had suggested that Hansen was especially determined and these turned out to be not hollow statements as the ex- club player gave his coach a welcome team dilemma for upcoming matches.

"Well my first thoughts were, 'You better play well in those different colored boots!'," said the coach, referring to the player's decision to wear different boots.

"In fact I thought that was appropriate but it seems Hansen just did that himself regardless. So he's attracted notice to himself before he's even begun.

"I said to him before the match, 'Excellent players don't need justifications, they can get on with it and just play naturally, you can get the player of the game if you choose,' and he responded, 'Yeah, I agree.'

"Therefore he's that kind of player, he prepares thoroughly, he's has a great attitude to get across his detail and so that's why he slotted right into the team and he was capable to perform naturally due to that."

Hansen's performance also received commendation from the rival coach, who stated he was the "exceptional opposition performer" on the evening.

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

"Regrettably, Mack was probably the best Australian player on the pitch. He's got a excellent skillset and he's such a good contender."

When asked about what enables Hansen a good option at the number 15 position, Farrell continued: "Appearing in the center of the field is a trait that he does from the wing regardless, but I suppose he's more in place for that more often.

"The player's high ball play was brilliant, don't you think? I believed we persisted of executing the right thing and that was putting the ball back on them to gain territory.

"The reason that was the right thing to do is because it's the players of Mackie who was getting the balls returned, and other teammates, so [it's] pretty pleasing."

Beyond Hansen, there were numerous encouraging aspects for Farrell.

Sam Prendergast was excellent on his return to the fly-half jersey, the scrum and line-out operated smoothly and different player did not look uncomfortable in his debut start in the forwards.

But possibly most pleasing for Farrell was Ireland framing the match with multiple strong periods.

The player's first two scores occurred in the first 11 moments while other teammates scored in the final stages after the other team had crossed, guaranteeing the home side finished on a high.

"In my opinion we really performed freely and attacked the game right from the word go," said the coach.

"The way we managed various aspects throughout the game, especially the opposition responding just before the break and regathering ourselves and producing a performance 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 truly satisfying."

The might of the Springboks are next up for Ireland, in what could be considered as an unofficial decider to the previous season's tied multiple match contest on rival soil.

Farrell's team will require to attain a higher level to beat the back-to-back title holders, but the recent victory of the Wallabies was a important advancement in the right path after an disappointing start to their autumn campaign.