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Following their previous underwhelming performance against the Japanese team, the head coach told his Irish squad to step up their game.

The team responded right away.

Ireland had faded late against the All Blacks and taken most of the match to get going versus their Asian opponents.

However, facing Australia, they started strongly, with Mack Hansen shining most prominently during a 46-19 triumph that represented Ireland's finest performance this year.

Making his first international appearance at full-back, the player registered a three tries, competed excellently for high balls and performed exceptionally against the country of his origin.

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

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

"Any time I get to play for Ireland it's a privilege, if you don't put in a good showing you might not get that privilege again.

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

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

After 28 appearances on the wing, Hansen was given the number 15 position for the initial time with multiple teammates injured.

For him, it was essentially a matter of picking up where he finished during the summer.

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

After come back recently, he developed a foot problem that ruled him out for previous fixtures.

Farrell had indicated that Hansen was especially motivated and these turned out to be not hollow statements as the former club player gave his coach a welcome selection headache for upcoming matches.

"Well my initial reaction were, 'You need to perform excellently in those two colored shoes!'," commented the coach, referring to the player's choice to wear different footwear.

"In fact I believed that was fitting but it seems Hansen just did that himself anyway. So he's attracted attention to himself before he's even begun.

"I said to him before the game, 'Excellent players don't need excuses, they can get on with it and just be themselves, you can get the player of the game if you want,' and he responded, 'Yeah, I concur.'

"Therefore he's that type of performer, he prepares well, he's got a excellent approach to understand his preparation and thus that's why he fitted right back in and he was able to perform naturally because of that."

Hansen's performance also earned commendation from the rival coach, who remarked he was the "standout Australian performer" on the evening.

"I thought he was outstanding, his experience showed to the fore," commented the former national coach.

"Regrettably, Hansen was probably the best opposition player on the field. He's got a great ability and he's such a strong competitor."

Pressed about what makes the player a good fit at the number 15 position, Farrell added: "Appearing in the center of the pitch is something that he demonstrates from the wing regardless, but I imagine he's better in place for that frequently.

"The player's aerial work was excellent, don't you think? I believed we persisted of executing the right thing and that was placing the ball again on them to gain territory.

"The reason that was the right thing to do is because it's the players of Hansen who was securing the possessions returned, and additional teammates, so [it's] pretty satisfying."

Beyond Hansen, there were numerous encouraging aspects for Farrell.

Another player was excellent on his comeback to the number 10 jersey, the scrum and throw-in operated effectively and different player did not look out of place in his debut appearance in the forwards.

But possibly most pleasing for Farrell was Ireland framing the match with two strong spells.

Hansen's first two scores occurred in the opening 11 minutes while other players scored in the closing exchanges after the other team had scored, ensuring the Irish team concluded on a high.

"I thought we really performed freely and approached the game straight from the beginning," said Farrell.

"How we managed numerous elements during the game, especially them responding just before half-time and reorganizing ourselves and giving a performance like we achieved in the second half, I thought as far as field position and being familiar with most of our strategy in that later period was really pleasing."

The strength of the Springboks are next up for the team, in what might be considered as an unofficial decider to last year's tied multiple match contest on opposition territory.

Farrell's team will need to attain another level to beat the back-to-back world champions, but the recent victory of the Wallabies was a significant step in the correct path after an uninspiring beginning to their fall campaign.