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Following last week's underwhelming showing against Japan, the head coach challenged his Ireland team to improve their game.

Ireland responded right away.

The Irish side had faded in the final stages against New Zealand and required considerable time to get going versus Japan.

Nevertheless, against the Wallabies, they began strongly, with Mack Hansen excelling brightest during a comprehensive triumph that marked Ireland's best performance of the season.

Making his first test match start at the number 15 position, the player scored a three tries, competed excellently for high balls and performed exceptionally against the nation of his origin.

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

"I missed being in this squad, I know there's much discussion about me not necessarily being raised here and I wasn't raised here, but I love this group and this feels like home.

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

"My entire focus this week was to take the field and perform what I can do."

Manager declared: 'Excellent athletes require no excuses'

After twenty-eight caps on the wing, the player was given the full-back role for the initial time with several players unavailable.

In his case, it was essentially a matter of continuing where he left off during the warmer months.

The 28-year-old had been in superb condition before physical issues disrupted his aspiration of joining the Test squad.

After returned last month, he developed a foot problem that ruled him out for previous matches.

The coach had suggested that Hansen was particularly motivated and these proved not hollow statements as the former club player gave his manager a positive team dilemma for future matches.

"So my initial reaction were, 'You need to perform excellently in those different coloured boots!'," commented Farrell, alluding to the player's decision to sport mismatched footwear.

"Actually I thought that was fitting but apparently Hansen just did that himself anyway. So he's attracted attention to himself before he's even begun.

"I said to him before the match, 'Excellent athletes don't need excuses, they can perform and just be themselves, you can win the man of the match if you choose,' and he went, 'Yes, I agree.'

"So he's that kind of performer, he prepares thoroughly, he's has a excellent approach to understand his detail and thus that's why he slotted right into the team and he was able to perform naturally due to that."

Hansen's efforts also received commendation from the rival coach, who remarked he was the "exceptional opposition player" on the evening.

"In my view he was super, his experience was evident to the fore," commented the ex- national coach.

"Unfortunately, Hansen was likely the best opposition player on the field. He's has a great skillset and he's such a good competitor."

When asked about what enables the player a good option 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 position for that frequently.

"The player's high ball work was excellent, don't you think? I thought we didn't get bored of doing the right thing and that was putting the possession back on them to gain territory.

"The reason that was the right strategy to do is since it's the likes of Mackie who was securing the balls returned, and other teammates, so [it's] quite pleasing."

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

Sam Prendergast was outstanding on his return to the fly-half jersey, the scrum and line-out functioned effectively and another teammate did not look out of place in his first appearance in the front row.

But perhaps more satisfying for the manager was the team bookending the game with two strong periods.

Hansen's initial couple of scores came in the first 11 moments while additional teammates scored in the final exchanges after the opposition had crossed, ensuring the home team concluded on a positive note.

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

"How we managed various aspects during the game, especially the opposition responding just before the break and reorganizing ourselves and giving a performance like we achieved in the second half, I thought as far as field position and being across most of our game in that later period was truly pleasing."

The strength of South Africa are next up for the team, in what might be considered as an unofficial decider to the previous season's tied two-Test series on rival territory.

The coach's side will need to reach a higher level to defeat the back-to-back title holders, but the recent victory of the Wallabies was a important advancement in the right direction after an uninspiring beginning to their fall schedule.