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Following last week's underwhelming showing against Japan, Andy Farrell challenged his Ireland squad to step up their performance.

Ireland listened right away.

The Irish side had faded late against the All Blacks and taken considerable time to get going versus Japan.

However, facing the Wallabies, they began strongly, with the talented back excelling brightest during a 46-19 victory that represented Ireland's finest display of the season.

In his debut test match start at the number 15 position, the player registered a hat-trick, contested excellently for high balls and performed exceptionally against the nation of his origin.

"You know, I've had a pretty challenging period with fitness issues really," the athlete stated.

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

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

"My entire focus this week was to go out and perform what I can do."

Manager declared: 'Good players don't need justifications'

Following 28 caps on the wing, the player was entrusted the full-back position for the first time with several teammates unavailable.

For him, it was simply a matter of continuing where he left off during the warmer months.

The 28-year-old had been in superb condition before physical issues ended his dream of making the international team.

After returned recently, he suffered a foot injury that ruled him out for earlier matches.

The coach had indicated that Hansen was especially determined and these proved not hollow words as the former provincial player gave his manager a positive selection dilemma for upcoming games.

"Well my first thoughts were, 'You better perform excellently in those different coloured shoes!'," commented Farrell, alluding to Hansen's choice to sport mismatched boots.

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

"I said to him before the game, 'Excellent players don't need justifications, they can perform and just be themselves, you can win 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 has a great attitude to understand his detail and thus that's why he slotted right into the team and he was capable to perform naturally because of that."

The player's performance also earned commendation from the rival manager, who remarked he was the "exceptional opposition player" on the night.

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

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

Pressed about what enables the player a strong fit at full-back, Farrell continued: "Showing up in the center of the pitch is a trait that he demonstrates from the flank regardless, but I imagine he's better in place for that more often.

"His aerial work was excellent, wasn't it? I thought we didn't get bored of doing the correct approach and that was placing the possession back on them to gain field position.

"The reason that was the correct thing to do is because it's the players of Hansen who was securing the balls returned, and other teammates, so [it's] pretty pleasing."

Outside Hansen, there were multiple positives for Farrell.

Another player was outstanding on his return to the number 10 position, the set piece and throw-in operated smoothly and another player did not appear uncomfortable in his first start in the front row.

But perhaps most pleasing for the manager was Ireland bookending the match with two impressive spells.

Hansen's first two tries came in the opening 11 minutes while additional teammates registered in the final stages after the other team had crossed, ensuring the Irish team concluded on a positive note.

"I thought we truly performed freely and approached the game straight from the word go," said Farrell.

"The way we managed various elements throughout the match, especially them coming back just before the break and reorganizing ourselves and producing a performance like we achieved in the second half, I thought as far as territory and being familiar with most of our strategy in that later period was really pleasing."

The strength of South Africa are awaiting for the team, in what could be considered as an unofficial decider to last year's drawn two-Test contest on rival territory.

Farrell's team will require to attain a higher level to defeat the back-to-back title holders, but Saturday's victory of the Australian team was a significant advancement in the correct path after an uninspiring beginning to their autumn schedule.