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

The team responded immediately.

Ireland had faded late against the All Blacks and required considerable time to find their rhythm versus Japan.

However, against the Wallabies, they started strongly, with Mack Hansen shining most prominently during a comprehensive victory that represented Ireland's best display this year.

Making his debut international appearance at the number 15 position, Hansen registered a three tries, competed excellently for aerial challenges and played exceptionally against the nation of his birth.

"You know, I've had a fairly challenging run with injuries really," the athlete stated.

"I longed for 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 adore this team and this feels like family.

"Any time I get to play for the national team it's a honor, if you don't put in a good showing you might not receive that opportunity again.

"My whole approach this week was to take the field and perform what I could do."

Coach stated: 'Good athletes don't need justifications'

Following twenty-eight appearances on the flank, Hansen was given the number 15 role for the first time with multiple teammates injured.

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

The experienced player had been in superb form before physical issues ended his dream of making the international squad.

After come back last month, he suffered a foot injury that made him unavailable for previous fixtures.

The coach had indicated that the player was particularly motivated and these turned out to be not empty statements as the former club player gave his coach a positive selection dilemma for future matches.

"So my first thoughts were, 'You need to perform well in those different coloured boots!'," said Farrell, referring to the player's choice to wear mismatched footwear.

"Actually I believed that was fitting but it seems Mack just did that personally anyway. So he's drawn notice to himself before he's even started.

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

"So he's that type of performer, he prepares well, he's got a great approach to get across his detail and so that's why he fitted straight into the team and he was capable to be himself due to that."

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

"In my view he was outstanding, his experience showed to the front," commented the former international manager.

"Regrettably, Mack was probably the best Australian performer on the pitch. He's got a excellent skillset and he's such a good contender."

Pressed about what enables the player a strong fit at the number 15 position, Farrell added: "Appearing in the middle of the pitch is a trait that he demonstrates from the flank regardless, but I suppose he's better in position for that more often.

"His high ball work was excellent, wasn't it? I thought we didn't get bored of executing the correct thing and that was putting the possession back on them to gain field position.

"Why that was the correct strategy to do is because it's the players of Hansen who was securing the possessions back, and additional players, so [it's] pretty pleasing."

Outside the star performer, there were multiple encouraging aspects for Farrell.

Sam Prendergast was excellent on his return to the fly-half jersey, the set piece and throw-in operated effectively and another teammate did not appear uncomfortable in his first appearance in the forwards.

But perhaps most pleasing for the manager was Ireland framing the game with multiple strong periods.

Hansen's initial couple of tries came in the first eleven minutes while other players scored in the final exchanges after the opposition had crossed, guaranteeing the home team finished on a positive note.

"In my opinion we truly performed freely and attacked the game right from the beginning," said the coach.

"The way we managed numerous elements throughout the game, particularly them responding just before half-time and regathering ourselves and giving a performance like we did in the later stages, I believed as far as field position and being across most of our strategy in that second half was truly pleasing."

The might of the Springboks are awaiting for Ireland, in what could be considered as an unofficial decider to last year's tied two-Test series on opposition territory.

The coach's team will need to reach another level to beat the consecutive title holders, but Saturday's victory of the Australian team was a important step in the correct path after an disappointing start to their autumn schedule.