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After last week's disappointing showing against Japan, Andy Farrell challenged his Irish squad to improve their game.

Ireland responded right away.

Ireland had struggled late against the All Blacks and required most of the match to get going versus their Asian opponents.

Nevertheless, against Australia, they started powerfully, with Mack Hansen excelling most prominently during a comprehensive triumph that represented Ireland's best performance of the season.

In his first international appearance at the number 15 position, the player registered a three tries, competed excellently for aerial challenges and played exceptionally against the country of his origin.

"You know, I've experienced a fairly challenging period with fitness issues really," Hansen commented.

"I longed for being in this squad, I understand there's considerable talk about me not exactly being raised here and I didn't grow up here, but I adore this team and this feels like family.

"Any time I have to represent for the national team it's a honor, if you don't put in a performance you may not get that privilege again.

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

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

Following twenty-eight caps on the flank, the player was given the number 15 role for the initial time with multiple players injured.

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

The 28-year-old had been in superb condition before injury disrupted his dream of making the international team.

Having come back last month, he developed a foot problem that ruled him out for earlier matches.

The coach had suggested that Hansen was especially determined and these proved not hollow words as the ex- club player gave his manager a positive selection headache for future matches.

"Well my first thoughts were, 'You better perform excellently in those different coloured boots!'," commented Farrell, referring to the player's decision to sport different boots.

"In fact I believed that was appropriate but it seems Mack just did that himself regardless. So he's drawn attention to himself before he's even begun.

"I told to him before the match, 'Good players don't need justifications, they can perform and just play naturally, you can get the player of the game if you want,' and he went, 'Yeah, I concur.'

"So 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 back in and he was capable to perform naturally due to that."

The player's performance also received praise from the rival manager, who remarked he was the "standout Australian player" on the evening.

"In my view he was outstanding, his experience showed to the front," commented the former international coach.

"Regrettably, Hansen was likely the best Australian performer on the pitch. He's has a great ability and he's such a good competitor."

Pressed about what makes the player a good fit at the number 15 position, Farrell continued: "Appearing in the center of the field is a trait that he demonstrates from the flank regardless, but I imagine he's better in place for that more often.

"His high ball play was brilliant, wasn't it? I believed we didn't get bored of executing the right approach and that was placing the possession again on them to secure field position.

"The reason that was the right strategy to do is since it's the players of Hansen who was securing the balls returned, and other teammates, so [it's] quite satisfying."

Outside the star performer, there were multiple positives for the coach.

Another player was outstanding on his return to the number 10 position, the set piece and throw-in operated effectively and different player did not appear out of place in his debut appearance in the front row.

But perhaps more satisfying for the manager was Ireland framing the match with two impressive spells.

The player's initial two scores occurred in the opening eleven moments while other players registered in the closing exchanges after the other team had scored, ensuring the Irish side concluded on a high.

"In my opinion we truly performed freely and attacked the match straight from the word go," stated the coach.

"The way we handled numerous aspects during the match, particularly them responding just before half-time and regathering ourselves and giving a performance like we achieved in the second half, I believed as far as territory and being across the majority of our strategy in that second half was truly satisfying."

The strength of the Springboks are awaiting for Ireland, in what might be viewed as an informal decider to last year's tied multiple match contest on rival territory.

The coach's side will need to attain a higher level to beat 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 autumn schedule.