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Following last week's underwhelming performance against Japan, Andy Farrell challenged his Ireland team to improve their game.

The team listened right away.

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

Nevertheless, against the Wallabies, they started strongly, with the talented back shining brightest during a comprehensive triumph that marked Ireland's best display this year.

Making his debut international start at full-back, the player scored a three tries, competed brilliantly for high balls and played exceptionally against the country of his birth.

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

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

"Any time I have to represent for the national team it's a privilege, if you fail to deliver a performance you may not get that opportunity again.

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

Manager declared: 'Excellent athletes don't need excuses'

Following twenty-eight caps on the flank, the player was entrusted the number 15 position for the first time with several teammates unavailable.

For him, it was simply a case of picking up where he left off during the warmer months.

The 28-year-old had been in superb form before injury disrupted his aspiration of joining the international squad.

After come back last month, he developed a lower body problem that ruled him out for earlier fixtures.

The coach had indicated that Hansen was especially motivated and these proved not hollow words as the former club player gave his coach a welcome team headache for upcoming games.

"So my initial reaction were, 'You better play excellently in those different colored shoes!'," commented Farrell, referring to the player's choice to wear mismatched footwear.

"In fact I believed that was fitting but apparently Mack just did that himself anyway. So he's attracted attention to himself before he's even begun.

"I said to him before the game, 'Good players require no justifications, they can perform and just play naturally, you can get the player of the game if you choose,' and he went, 'Yeah, I concur.'

"So he's that kind of player, he prepares well, he's has a excellent approach to understand his detail and thus that's why he fitted right into the team and he was able to be himself due to that."

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

"I thought he was outstanding, his knowledge showed to the fore," said the former national coach.

"Regrettably, Mack was likely the standout Australian performer on the field. He's has a excellent ability and he's such a good contender."

When asked about what makes Hansen a strong fit at the number 15 position, Farrell added: "Showing up in the middle of the field is something that he does from the wing anyway, but I imagine he's more in place for that more often.

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

"Why that was the correct strategy to do is because it's the likes of Hansen who was securing the balls returned, and additional players, so [it's] quite pleasing."

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

Sam Prendergast was outstanding on his comeback to the number 10 jersey, the set piece and throw-in operated smoothly and different teammate did not look uncomfortable in his first appearance in the front row.

But perhaps most satisfying for the manager was Ireland bookending the game with two impressive spells.

The player's initial couple of tries came in the opening 11 moments while other players scored in the final exchanges after the opposition had crossed, ensuring the home side concluded on a positive note.

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

"How we handled numerous elements throughout the match, particularly them coming back just before half-time and reorganizing ourselves and giving a performance like we achieved in the later stages, I thought as far as territory and being across most of our game in that second half was truly pleasing."

The strength of South Africa are awaiting for Ireland, in what could be viewed as an informal conclusion to last year's drawn two-Test contest on rival territory.

Farrell's team will require to reach another level to beat the consecutive title holders, but the recent defeat of the Wallabies was a significant advancement in the correct direction after an uninspiring beginning to their autumn schedule.