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

Ireland responded immediately.

Ireland had struggled late against the All Blacks and required most of the match to find their rhythm versus Japan.

Nevertheless, facing the Wallabies, they began powerfully, with Mack Hansen excelling brightest during a 46-19 victory that represented Ireland's best performance this year.

Making his first international start at the number 15 position, Hansen registered a hat-trick, competed brilliantly for aerial challenges and played exceptionally against the nation of his origin.

"Look, I've had a pretty challenging period with fitness issues honestly," Hansen commented.

"I longed for being in this squad, I know there's much talk about me not necessarily being born here and I wasn't raised here, but I love this team and this seems like home.

"Any time I get to represent for the national team it's a privilege, if you don't put in a performance you may not receive that opportunity again.

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

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

After twenty-eight caps on the flank, the player was given the full-back position for the first time with several players unavailable.

In his case, it was simply a matter of picking up where he finished during the warmer months.

The experienced player had been in excellent form before injury disrupted his dream of making the Test squad.

Having returned last month, he suffered a lower body problem that made him unavailable for earlier matches.

The coach had suggested that the player was especially determined and these proved not empty words as the ex- club player gave his manager a positive team dilemma for upcoming games.

"So my initial thoughts were, 'You better perform well in those different coloured shoes!'," said the coach, referring to Hansen's decision to wear mismatched boots.

"Actually I thought that was fitting but apparently Hansen just made that personally regardless. So he's drawn attention to himself before he's even begun.

"I told to him before the match, 'Good athletes require no excuses, they can perform and just play naturally, you can get the man of the match if you choose,' and he responded, 'Yes, I agree.'

"So he's that type of player, he trains thoroughly, he's got a excellent attitude to get across his detail and thus that's why he fitted straight into the team and he was able to perform naturally because of that."

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

"In my view he was outstanding, his knowledge was evident to the fore," commented the former international coach.

"Regrettably, Mack was likely the best opposition player on the field. He's got a excellent ability and he's such a strong contender."

Pressed about what enables the player a good fit at the number 15 position, Farrell added: "Appearing in the middle of the pitch is a trait that he does from the wing anyway, but I imagine he's more in position for that frequently.

"The player's high ball play was excellent, wasn't it? I believed we didn't get bored of executing the correct approach and that was putting the possession back on them to gain territory.

"The reason that was the right thing to do is since it's the players of Hansen who was getting the possessions back, and other teammates, so [it's] quite pleasing."

Outside Hansen, there were numerous encouraging aspects for the coach.

Sam Prendergast was outstanding on his comeback to the fly-half position, the set piece and throw-in operated effectively and different teammate did not look out of place in his debut start in the forwards.

But perhaps more pleasing for Farrell was the team framing the game with multiple strong spells.

The player's first two tries came in the first 11 moments while other teammates registered in the closing exchanges after the opposition had scored, guaranteeing the home side finished on a positive note.

"In my opinion we really let ourselves go and attacked the game right from the beginning," stated Farrell.

"The way we managed various elements throughout the game, particularly the opposition responding just before half-time and regathering ourselves and giving a performance like we achieved in the later stages, I thought as far as field position and being across most of our game in that later period was truly satisfying."

The might of the Springboks are awaiting for Ireland, in what could be viewed as an unofficial conclusion to the previous season's drawn two-Test contest on opposition soil.

The coach's side will require to attain a higher level to defeat the consecutive title holders, but Saturday's victory of the Australian team was a important advancement in the correct path after an disappointing start to their autumn schedule.