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After last week's underwhelming performance against the Japanese team, Andy Farrell told his Ireland team to step up their game.

The team listened immediately.

The Irish side had struggled late against the All Blacks and taken considerable time to find their rhythm versus their Asian opponents.

Nevertheless, facing Australia, they began powerfully, with the talented back excelling brightest during a comprehensive triumph that represented the team's finest performance this year.

Making his debut international appearance at full-back, Hansen registered a hat-trick, competed brilliantly for aerial challenges and performed outstandingly against the country of his origin.

"You know, I've experienced a pretty difficult run with injuries really," the athlete stated.

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

"Any time I have to play for the national team it's a honor, if you fail to deliver a performance you may not receive that privilege again.

"My entire focus this period was to take the field and do what I can do."

Manager declared: 'Good players don't need justifications'

Following twenty-eight caps on the wing, the player was entrusted the number 15 role for the first time with multiple players injured.

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

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

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

The coach had indicated that the player was particularly determined and these proved not hollow words as the former provincial player gave his coach a positive selection headache for upcoming games.

"So my first thoughts were, 'You need to play well in those two colored boots!'," said the coach, referring to Hansen's decision to wear mismatched boots.

"In fact I thought that was appropriate 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 athletes don't need excuses, they can get on with it and just play naturally, you can win the man of the match if you want,' and he went, 'Yeah, I agree.'

"So he's that kind of player, he prepares thoroughly, he's got a excellent attitude to understand his preparation and so that's why he fitted right into the team and he was capable to perform naturally because of that."

The player's efforts also earned praise from the opposing manager, who stated he was the "exceptional Australian performer" on the evening.

"I thought he was super, his experience was evident to the front," said the former international coach.

"Unfortunately, Hansen was likely the best Australian player on the pitch. He's has a excellent ability and he's such a strong competitor."

When asked about what makes the player a strong option at the number 15 position, the coach added: "Appearing in the center of the pitch is a trait that he demonstrates from the wing regardless, but I suppose he's better in position for that frequently.

"The player's aerial play was brilliant, wasn't it? I thought we persisted of doing the right approach and that was placing the ball back on them to secure field position.

"Why that was the correct thing to do is because it's the likes of Hansen who was securing the balls back, and other teammates, so [it's] quite satisfying."

Beyond the star performer, there were numerous encouraging aspects for Farrell.

Another player was outstanding on his comeback to the fly-half position, the set piece and line-out operated effectively and different player did not appear uncomfortable in his first start in the forwards.

But perhaps most satisfying for Farrell was Ireland framing the game with two impressive periods.

Hansen's first couple of tries occurred in the opening eleven minutes while additional players registered in the closing exchanges after the other team had scored, guaranteeing the home side concluded on a high.

"In my opinion we truly let ourselves go and approached the game right from the word go," said the coach.

"The way we managed various elements throughout the game, particularly them coming back just before the break and reorganizing ourselves and giving a display like we did in the second half, I believed as far as field position and being across most of our game in that later period was really satisfying."

The might of the Springboks are awaiting for the team, in what might be considered as an informal conclusion to last year's tied two-Test contest on rival territory.

The coach's side will require to reach another level to beat the back-to-back title holders, but the recent victory of the Wallabies was a important step in the right direction after an disappointing beginning to their fall campaign.