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Following last week's underwhelming performance against the Japanese team, Andy Farrell told his Irish squad to improve their performance.

The team responded right away.

The Irish side had struggled in the final stages against New Zealand and required most of the match to find their rhythm versus Japan.

However, facing Australia, they began powerfully, with the talented back shining most prominently during a comprehensive victory that marked the team's best performance of the season.

In his debut international start at the number 15 position, Hansen registered a three tries, competed excellently for aerial challenges and played outstandingly against the country of his birth.

"Look, I've experienced a fairly difficult period with fitness issues honestly," Hansen commented.

"I missed being in this team, I know there's much discussion about me not necessarily being raised here and I didn't grow up here, but I adore this group and this feels like home.

"Whenever I get to play for the national team it's a privilege, 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 can do."

Manager stated: 'Excellent athletes require no justifications'

After 28 caps on the flank, Hansen was given the number 15 role for the initial time with multiple players unavailable.

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

The 28-year-old had been in excellent form before physical issues ended his dream of joining the international squad.

After come back recently, he developed a lower body injury that ruled him out for earlier fixtures.

The coach had indicated that Hansen was particularly determined and these proved not hollow words as the ex- club player gave his coach a welcome team headache for upcoming matches.

"So my first reaction were, 'You need to perform well in those two coloured shoes!'," said the coach, referring to Hansen's choice to wear mismatched boots.

"Actually I thought that was fitting but it seems Hansen just did that personally anyway. So he's drawn attention to himself before he's even begun.

"I told to him before the match, 'Good players require no excuses, they can perform and just be themselves, you can win the man of the match if you choose,' and he responded, 'Yeah, I concur.'

"Therefore he's that type of player, he trains well, he's got a excellent attitude to get across his preparation and so that's why he fitted right back in and he was capable to be himself because of that."

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

"In my view he was outstanding, his knowledge showed to the fore," said the former international coach.

"Regrettably, Mack was probably the standout Australian performer on the pitch. He's has a excellent ability and he's such a good contender."

When asked about what makes Hansen a strong option at full-back, the coach added: "Appearing in the middle of the field is something that he demonstrates from the flank anyway, but I imagine he's better in position for that frequently.

"His high ball play was excellent, wasn't it? I thought we persisted of executing the right approach and that was placing the possession again on them to secure field position.

"Why that was the correct thing to do is since it's the players of Hansen who was getting the possessions returned, and additional players, so [it's] pretty satisfying."

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

Sam Prendergast was outstanding on his comeback to the number 10 jersey, the set piece and line-out operated effectively and another player did not look uncomfortable in his debut start in the forwards.

But possibly more pleasing for Farrell was Ireland bookending the game with multiple strong spells.

The player's first couple of tries occurred in the first 11 minutes while other players registered in the final stages after the other team had scored, ensuring the Irish team finished on a high.

"I thought we truly performed freely and approached the game right from the word go," stated the coach.

"How we handled numerous aspects throughout the game, particularly them coming back just before half-time and regathering ourselves and giving a performance like we did in the later stages, I thought as far as field position and being familiar with most of our game in that later period was really satisfying."

The might of the Springboks are next up for Ireland, in what might be considered as an unofficial conclusion to the previous season's drawn two-Test contest on rival soil.

Farrell's team will need to attain a higher standard to defeat the consecutive title holders, but the recent defeat of the Australian team was a important advancement in the correct path after an uninspiring start to their autumn schedule.