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After their previous disappointing performance against Japan, the head coach told his Irish team to step up their game.

The team responded right away.

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

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

Making his debut test match appearance at the number 15 position, the player registered a hat-trick, competed brilliantly for high balls and performed exceptionally against the country of his origin.

"Look, I've had a pretty challenging period with fitness issues honestly," the athlete stated.

"I longed for being in this team, I understand there's much discussion about me not necessarily being born here and I didn't grow up here, but I love this team and this feels like family.

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

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

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

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

For him, it was essentially a case of picking up where he left off during the summer.

The experienced player had been in superb form before physical issues disrupted his aspiration of joining the international team.

After come back recently, he suffered a lower body problem that made him unavailable for previous fixtures.

The coach had suggested that Hansen was especially determined and these turned out to be not hollow words as the ex- club player gave his coach a welcome selection dilemma for upcoming games.

"So my first thoughts were, 'You need to play well in those two coloured shoes!'," said Farrell, alluding to the player's decision to sport different boots.

"In fact I thought that was appropriate but apparently Mack just made that personally regardless. So he's drawn attention to himself before he's even started.

"I told to him before the match, 'Excellent players require no excuses, they can get on with it and just play naturally, you can get the player of the game if you choose,' and he responded, 'Yes, I agree.'

"So he's that kind of player, he prepares thoroughly, he's got a great approach to understand his preparation and so that's why he slotted straight into the team and he was able to be himself because of that."

Hansen's performance also received praise from the rival coach, who stated he was the "exceptional Australian player" on the night.

"I thought he was outstanding, his experience was evident to the fore," said the ex- national coach.

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

When asked about what makes the player a good option at the number 15 position, Farrell continued: "Showing up in the center of the pitch is something that he does from the wing anyway, but I imagine he's better in position for that more often.

"His high ball work was brilliant, don't you think? I believed we didn't get bored of doing the correct thing and that was putting the possession again on them to secure field position.

"The reason that was the correct strategy to do is since it's the likes of Mackie who was securing the possessions back, and additional players, so [it's] pretty satisfying."

Beyond the star performer, there were numerous encouraging aspects for Farrell.

Another player was excellent on his return to the number 10 jersey, the scrum and line-out operated effectively and different player did not appear uncomfortable in his first start in the forwards.

But possibly most pleasing for Farrell was Ireland bookending the game with two strong spells.

Hansen's initial two tries occurred in the opening 11 moments while additional players scored in the final exchanges after the other team had scored, ensuring the Irish side finished on a high.

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

"How we handled various elements during the game, particularly the opposition coming back just before half-time and reorganizing ourselves and giving a display like we achieved in the later stages, I believed as far as territory and being familiar with the majority of our game in that later period was really satisfying."

The might of South Africa are awaiting for the team, in what could be considered as an unofficial conclusion to last year's tied multiple match series on opposition territory.

Farrell's team will require to attain a higher standard to beat the consecutive title holders, but the recent defeat of the Wallabies was a significant advancement in the correct direction after an uninspiring start to their autumn campaign.