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Following last week's underwhelming performance against the Japanese team, the head coach challenged his Ireland team to improve their game.

Ireland responded right away.

Ireland had struggled in the final stages against the All Blacks and required considerable time to find their rhythm versus their Asian opponents.

Nevertheless, against the Wallabies, they began strongly, with the talented back shining brightest during a 46-19 victory that represented Ireland's finest display of the season.

In his debut test match appearance at full-back, the player registered a hat-trick, competed brilliantly for aerial challenges and played outstandingly against the nation of his birth.

"Look, I've had a fairly difficult period with fitness issues really," the athlete commented.

"I longed for being in this squad, I understand there's much discussion about me not exactly being born here and I didn't grow up here, but I love this team and this seems like home.

"Whenever I get to represent for the national team it's a honor, if you don't put in a performance you might not receive that privilege again.

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

Manager declared: 'Excellent athletes require no justifications'

Following twenty-eight caps on the flank, Hansen was entrusted the full-back position for the first time with multiple players unavailable.

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

The experienced player had been in excellent condition before physical issues ended his dream of joining the Test team.

After come back recently, he developed a foot problem that made him unavailable for earlier fixtures.

Farrell had indicated that the player was especially motivated and these proved not hollow words as the former provincial player gave his manager a welcome selection dilemma for upcoming games.

"So my initial reaction were, 'You better perform excellently in those two colored boots!'," said the coach, referring to Hansen's choice to sport different footwear.

"Actually I believed that was fitting but apparently 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 excuses, they can get on with it and just play naturally, you can get the player of the game if you want,' and he responded, 'Yeah, I concur.'

"So he's that kind of performer, he trains thoroughly, he's got a excellent attitude to get across his detail and thus that's why he slotted straight into the team and he was capable to perform naturally because of that."

The player's performance also received commendation from the rival coach, who remarked he was the "standout opposition performer" on the night.

"In my view he was super, his experience showed to the front," said the ex- national manager.

"Unfortunately, Hansen was likely the best Australian performer on the pitch. He's got a great skillset and he's such a strong contender."

Pressed about what makes Hansen a good option at full-back, the coach added: "Showing up in the middle of the pitch is something that he demonstrates from the wing regardless, but I imagine he's more in position for that frequently.

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

"Why that was the correct strategy to do is since it's the players of Mackie who was getting the balls returned, and additional players, so [it's] quite satisfying."

Beyond Hansen, there were numerous positives for Farrell.

Sam Prendergast was outstanding on his comeback to the fly-half position, the scrum and throw-in functioned smoothly and another teammate did not appear out of place in his first appearance in the front row.

But possibly more satisfying for Farrell was the team bookending the game with multiple strong periods.

Hansen's first two tries occurred in the opening 11 minutes while additional teammates scored in the final stages after the other team had scored, guaranteeing the home team finished on a high.

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

"How we handled numerous elements throughout the game, especially them coming back just before half-time and regathering ourselves and producing a performance like we did in the second half, I thought as far as field position and being across the majority of our strategy in that later period was truly pleasing."

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

Farrell's side will require to reach a higher standard to beat the consecutive title holders, but the recent defeat of the Australian team was a important step in the correct direction after an uninspiring start to their fall schedule.