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After their previous underwhelming performance against the Japanese team, Andy Farrell told his Irish squad to step up their game.

Ireland listened immediately.

Ireland had faded in the final stages against the All Blacks and required most of the match to get going versus Japan.

Nevertheless, facing the Wallabies, they started strongly, with Mack Hansen shining brightest during a comprehensive victory that represented the team's best display this year.

In his first test match appearance at full-back, Hansen registered a three tries, competed excellently for high balls and performed outstandingly against the country of his birth.

"You know, I've experienced a fairly difficult period with injuries really," Hansen commented.

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

"Whenever I get to represent for Ireland it's a honor, if you fail to deliver a performance you might not receive that opportunity again.

"My whole focus this week was to take the field and do what I can do."

Coach stated: 'Excellent athletes require no excuses'

After 28 caps on the wing, the player was entrusted the full-back position for the first time with multiple teammates unavailable.

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

The experienced player had been in superb condition before injury ended his dream of making the international squad.

After come back last month, he suffered a lower body problem that made him unavailable for earlier fixtures.

The coach had indicated that Hansen was particularly motivated and these proved not hollow words as the ex- club player gave his manager a positive selection headache for future games.

"Well my first thoughts were, 'You need to perform well in those two colored shoes!'," commented the coach, alluding to Hansen's decision to wear different boots.

"In fact I thought that was appropriate but it seems Mack just did that himself regardless. So he's attracted notice to himself before he's even started.

"I told to him before the game, 'Excellent players require no justifications, they can get on with it and just be themselves, you can get the man of the match if you choose,' and he responded, 'Yeah, I concur.'

"Therefore he's that type of performer, he trains thoroughly, he's got a excellent approach to understand his detail and so that's why he slotted straight into the team and he was able to perform naturally because of that."

Hansen's efforts also earned commendation from the rival manager, who stated he was the "standout opposition player" on the evening.

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

"Unfortunately, Mack was probably the best Australian performer on the field. He's got a great ability and he's such a good contender."

When asked about what enables Hansen a good fit at the number 15 position, the coach added: "Showing up in the middle of the field is something that he demonstrates from the wing anyway, but I suppose he's more in position for that frequently.

"The player's high ball work was excellent, wasn't it? I believed we didn't get bored of doing the right thing and that was putting the possession again on them to gain territory.

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

Beyond Hansen, there were multiple positives for the coach.

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

But possibly most satisfying for the manager was Ireland bookending the match with multiple impressive periods.

The player's first couple of scores occurred in the first eleven minutes while other teammates registered in the closing stages after the other team had crossed, guaranteeing the home team finished on a positive note.

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

"How we managed numerous aspects throughout the game, especially the opposition responding just before half-time and reorganizing ourselves and giving a performance like we did in the second half, I believed as far as territory and being across the majority of our strategy in that second half was truly pleasing."

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

The coach's side will require to reach a higher standard to beat the back-to-back world champions, but the recent defeat of the Wallabies was a significant advancement in the right direction after an disappointing start to their autumn schedule.