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After their previous disappointing performance against Japan, Andy Farrell told his Irish squad to improve their game.

The team responded immediately.

The Irish side had faded late against New Zealand and taken most of the match to find their rhythm versus their Asian opponents.

Nevertheless, against the Wallabies, they began strongly, with the talented back excelling brightest during a 46-19 victory that represented Ireland's finest display of the season.

Making his first international appearance at full-back, Hansen registered a three tries, competed excellently for high balls and played exceptionally against the nation of his birth.

"You know, I've had a fairly difficult run with injuries honestly," the athlete commented.

"I longed for being in this squad, I understand there's much discussion about me not exactly being raised here and I wasn't raised here, but I adore this team and this seems like home.

"Whenever I get to represent for Ireland it's a privilege, if you fail to deliver a good showing you may not receive that privilege again.

"My whole approach this week was to go out and perform what I could do."

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

Following twenty-eight caps on the flank, Hansen was entrusted the full-back position for the first time with multiple players injured.

For him, it was essentially a case of continuing where he finished during the summer.

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

Having come back last month, he suffered a foot problem that ruled him out for previous fixtures.

Farrell had indicated that Hansen was especially determined and these proved not empty words as the former club player gave his manager a positive selection headache for upcoming matches.

"Well my first thoughts were, 'You need to perform well in those different coloured shoes!'," said the coach, alluding to the player's decision to sport mismatched boots.

"Actually I believed that was fitting but it seems Hansen just made that himself regardless. So he's attracted attention to himself before he's even started.

"I told to him before the match, 'Good athletes require no excuses, they can get on with it and just play naturally, you can win the player of the game if you want,' and he went, 'Yes, I agree.'

"Therefore he's that type of performer, he trains thoroughly, he's has a great approach 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."

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

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

"Unfortunately, Hansen was probably the standout opposition player on the pitch. He's got a great ability and he's such a good contender."

When asked about what enables Hansen a good option at the number 15 position, Farrell added: "Appearing in the center of the field is a trait that he does from the wing anyway, but I suppose he's better in position for that more often.

"The player's aerial work was excellent, don't you think? I thought we didn't get bored of executing the right approach and that was putting the possession again on them to gain territory.

"The reason that was the correct strategy to do is because it's the players of Mackie who was securing the possessions returned, and additional teammates, so [it's] quite pleasing."

Beyond the star performer, there were numerous positives for Farrell.

Another player was outstanding on his comeback to the number 10 position, the scrum and throw-in operated effectively and different player did not appear out of place in his first appearance in the forwards.

But perhaps more pleasing for the manager was the team framing the match with multiple strong periods.

The player's initial couple of scores occurred in the opening eleven moments while additional teammates registered in the closing stages after the other team had scored, ensuring the Irish team finished on a positive note.

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

"How we handled various elements throughout the game, particularly them coming back just before half-time and regathering ourselves and producing a performance like we achieved in the second half, I believed as far as territory and being familiar with most of our game in that second half was really pleasing."

The might of South Africa are awaiting for Ireland, in what could be viewed as an unofficial conclusion to last year's tied two-Test contest on rival territory.

The coach's side will need to attain another level to beat the back-to-back title holders, but the recent victory of the Australian team was a significant step in the right path after an disappointing beginning to their autumn schedule.