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Following their previous disappointing performance against the Japanese team, the head coach told his Irish team to improve their performance.

The team listened right away.

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

Nevertheless, against Australia, they began powerfully, with Mack Hansen shining most prominently during a 46-19 triumph that represented Ireland's finest display of the season.

In his debut test match start at full-back, the player registered a hat-trick, contested brilliantly for aerial challenges and played outstandingly against the country of his origin.

"You know, I've experienced a fairly challenging run with fitness issues honestly," the athlete commented.

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

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

"My whole focus this week was to go out and do what I could do."

Coach stated: 'Excellent players don't need excuses'

Following twenty-eight appearances on the wing, the player was given the full-back position for the initial time with multiple players injured.

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

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

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

Farrell had indicated that the player was especially motivated and these proved not hollow words as the former club player gave his coach a positive selection headache for upcoming games.

"Well my first thoughts were, 'You need to play well in those two coloured shoes!'," said Farrell, referring to the player's choice to wear different footwear.

"Actually I thought that was appropriate but apparently Hansen just did that personally regardless. So he's drawn attention to himself before he's even started.

"I told to him before the game, 'Excellent athletes don't need justifications, they can get on with it and just play naturally, you can get the man of the match if you want,' and he responded, 'Yes, I agree.'

"So he's that kind of player, he trains thoroughly, he's got a excellent attitude to understand his detail and thus that's why he slotted straight back in and he was able to be himself because of that."

The player's efforts also received praise from the opposing coach, who stated he was the "exceptional opposition player" on the night.

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

"Unfortunately, Hansen was likely the best Australian performer on the field. He's got a excellent skillset and he's such a strong competitor."

When asked about what enables Hansen a good option at the number 15 position, the coach added: "Showing up in the center of the pitch is something that he does from the wing regardless, but I suppose he's better in place for that frequently.

"The player's high ball play was excellent, wasn't it? I believed we didn't get bored of doing the right thing and that was placing the possession back on them to gain field position.

"The reason that was the correct thing to do is because it's the likes of Hansen who was securing the possessions returned, and additional players, so [it's] quite pleasing."

Outside Hansen, there were multiple encouraging aspects for the coach.

Another player was excellent on his comeback to the number 10 jersey, the set piece and line-out operated smoothly and different teammate did not appear out of place in his first appearance in the front row.

But possibly most pleasing for the manager was the team framing the match with two impressive periods.

Hansen's first two tries occurred in the first eleven minutes while additional teammates scored in the closing exchanges after the opposition had scored, ensuring the home side concluded on a positive note.

"In my opinion we really performed freely and approached the game straight from the word go," stated Farrell.

"How we managed various aspects during the game, particularly them coming back just before half-time and regathering ourselves and producing a performance like we achieved in the second half, I thought as far as territory and being familiar with most of our game in that second half was really satisfying."

The might of South Africa are next up for the team, in what might be considered as an informal decider to last year's tied two-Test series on opposition territory.

Farrell's side will require to reach a higher level to defeat the consecutive world champions, but the recent defeat of the Wallabies was a significant step in the correct direction after an uninspiring beginning to their autumn campaign.