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After their previous disappointing showing against the Japanese team, Andy Farrell told his Ireland team to improve their performance.

Ireland responded right away.

Ireland had struggled in the final stages against the All Blacks and taken considerable time to get going versus their Asian opponents.

Nevertheless, against Australia, they started strongly, with the talented back shining most prominently during a comprehensive triumph that represented the team's finest display this year.

Making his debut international appearance at full-back, Hansen registered a three tries, competed excellently for aerial challenges and played exceptionally against the nation of his origin.

"You know, I've had a pretty challenging run with fitness issues really," Hansen stated.

"I longed for being in this team, I know 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 seems like home.

"Whenever I get to represent for Ireland it's a honor, if you don't put in a performance you might not get that privilege again.

"My entire approach this period was to go out and do what I can do."

Coach declared: 'Excellent athletes require no excuses'

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

In his case, it was simply a case of continuing where he finished during the summer.

The 28-year-old had been in excellent form before injury ended his dream of making the international squad.

Having come back last month, he developed a foot injury that made him unavailable for previous matches.

Farrell had suggested that the player was especially motivated and these turned out to be not empty words as the ex- provincial player gave his manager a welcome selection headache for future matches.

"Well my initial reaction were, 'You need to play well in those two coloured shoes!'," commented the coach, alluding to Hansen's choice to wear different footwear.

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

"I said to him before the game, 'Excellent athletes don't need justifications, they can get on with it and just be themselves, you can get the player of the game if you choose,' and he went, 'Yes, I agree.'

"So he's that type of player, he trains thoroughly, he's has a great attitude to get across his preparation and so that's why he fitted right back in and he was able to perform naturally because of that."

Hansen's efforts also earned commendation from the rival coach, who remarked he was the "exceptional Australian performer" on the night.

"In my view he was outstanding, his experience was evident to the front," said the ex- national coach.

"Unfortunately, Mack was probably the best Australian performer on the pitch. He's got a great skillset and he's such a strong competitor."

Pressed about what makes Hansen a strong fit at the number 15 position, Farrell continued: "Showing up in the center of the field is a trait that he demonstrates from the flank anyway, but I suppose he's better in position for that more often.

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

"The reason that was the correct thing to do is since it's the likes of Hansen who was getting the possessions returned, and additional teammates, so [it's] pretty satisfying."

Beyond Hansen, there were numerous positives for Farrell.

Sam Prendergast was excellent on his comeback to the number 10 jersey, the set piece and line-out operated smoothly and different player did not appear uncomfortable in his first start in the forwards.

But perhaps more pleasing for the manager was Ireland bookending the game with two strong periods.

Hansen's first couple of tries came in the opening 11 moments while other players scored in the final stages after the opposition had crossed, ensuring the home team finished on a positive note.

"I thought we truly let ourselves go and approached the game straight from the beginning," said Farrell.

"How we handled various aspects during the match, especially the opposition responding just before the break and regathering ourselves and producing a display like we achieved in the second half, I thought as far as territory and being across most of our strategy in that later period was really satisfying."

The strength of South Africa are next up for the team, in what might be considered as an informal decider to the previous season's drawn multiple match series on rival territory.

Farrell's side will require to attain another level to beat the consecutive world champions, but Saturday's defeat of the Australian team was a significant step in the right path after an disappointing beginning to their fall campaign.