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Following last week's underwhelming performance against the Japanese team, Andy Farrell told his Ireland squad to step up their performance.

The team responded immediately.

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

However, against the Wallabies, they began strongly, with the talented back excelling most prominently during a comprehensive triumph that marked the team's finest display this year.

In his debut international appearance at the number 15 position, the player scored a three tries, competed excellently for high balls and played exceptionally against the country of his origin.

"You know, I've experienced a fairly challenging period with injuries really," Hansen stated.

"I missed being in this squad, I know there's considerable discussion about me not exactly being raised here and I didn't grow up here, but I love this group and this feels like home.

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

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

Coach stated: 'Excellent players don't need excuses'

After twenty-eight appearances on the flank, the player was entrusted the number 15 position for the initial time with several players unavailable.

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

The 28-year-old had been in excellent condition before physical issues ended his aspiration of making the international squad.

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

Farrell had suggested that Hansen was particularly determined and these proved not hollow words as the former club player gave his manager a welcome team dilemma for upcoming games.

"Well my first reaction were, 'You need to play well in those two coloured shoes!'," said the coach, alluding to Hansen's decision to sport different footwear.

"In fact I believed that was appropriate but it seems Mack just did that himself regardless. So he's drawn attention to himself before he's even begun.

"I said to him before the match, 'Excellent players require no excuses, they can perform and just be themselves, you can get the man of the match if you choose,' and he responded, 'Yeah, I concur.'

"So he's that kind of performer, he trains thoroughly, he's has a great approach to get across his preparation and thus that's why he fitted straight into the team and he was capable to be himself because of that."

The player's performance also earned praise from the opposing manager, who stated he was the "exceptional opposition performer" on the evening.

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

"Regrettably, Mack was probably the standout opposition player on the pitch. He's got a excellent skillset and he's such a strong contender."

When asked about what makes the player a good fit at the number 15 position, Farrell continued: "Appearing in the middle of the pitch is a trait that he does from the flank anyway, but I suppose he's better in position for that more often.

"The player's high ball play was brilliant, wasn't it? I thought we didn't get bored of doing the right thing and that was placing the ball again on them to secure territory.

"The reason that was the right thing to do is because it's the players of Mackie who was securing the balls returned, and other teammates, so [it's] quite satisfying."

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

Sam Prendergast was outstanding on his comeback to the fly-half jersey, the scrum and line-out operated effectively and different player did not look out of place in his debut start in the front row.

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

Hansen's initial couple of scores occurred in the opening 11 moments while additional players scored in the closing exchanges after the other team had crossed, ensuring the home team finished on a high.

"In my opinion we truly let ourselves go and approached the match straight from the word go," said the coach.

"The way we handled various elements throughout the game, particularly them coming back just before half-time and regathering ourselves and producing a performance like we did in the later stages, I believed as far as territory and being across most of our strategy in that later period was truly pleasing."

The strength of South Africa are next up for the team, in what might be viewed as an unofficial decider to the previous season's drawn two-Test contest on rival soil.

Farrell's side will need to reach a higher level to beat the consecutive title holders, but Saturday's defeat of the Wallabies was a important step in the right path after an uninspiring beginning to their fall schedule.