Hansen delivers brilliant performance as Ireland answer to Farrell's demand

Following last week's underwhelming performance against the Japanese team, the head coach challenged his Ireland team to step up their performance.

The team responded immediately.

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

However, against the Wallabies, they began strongly, with Mack Hansen shining most prominently during a comprehensive triumph that marked the team's finest performance this year.

Making his debut test match appearance at full-back, Hansen registered a hat-trick, competed excellently for high balls and performed outstandingly against the country of his birth.

"Look, I've had a pretty challenging run with fitness issues honestly," the athlete stated.

"I missed being in this squad, I know there's considerable talk about me not necessarily being raised here and I didn't grow up here, but I love this group 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 might not get that privilege again.

"My entire focus this period was to go out and do what I could do."

Coach stated: 'Excellent athletes require no excuses'

After 28 appearances on the wing, the player was given the number 15 position for the initial time with multiple players unavailable.

In his case, it was simply a case of picking up where he left off during the summer.

The experienced player had been in excellent form before physical issues ended his dream of making the international team.

Having returned last month, he suffered a foot problem that made him unavailable for previous fixtures.

Farrell had indicated that Hansen was particularly determined and these proved not hollow statements as the ex- club player gave his coach a welcome selection headache for upcoming matches.

"Well my initial thoughts were, 'You better play well in those different coloured boots!'," commented Farrell, referring to Hansen's decision to wear different footwear.

"Actually I thought that was fitting but it seems Hansen just made that himself anyway. So he's drawn attention to himself before he's even started.

"I told to him before the match, 'Excellent players don't need justifications, they can perform and just play naturally, you can get the man of the match if you want,' and he responded, 'Yeah, I agree.'

"So he's that type of performer, he prepares thoroughly, he's got a great approach to understand his preparation and thus that's why he fitted straight into the team and he was capable to be himself because of that."

Hansen's efforts also received praise from the opposing manager, who remarked he was the "standout Australian performer" on the evening.

"In my view he was outstanding, his knowledge was evident to the fore," said the former national manager.

"Unfortunately, Hansen was probably the best Australian player on the pitch. He's has a great skillset and he's such a strong contender."

When asked about what enables Hansen a strong option at full-back, the coach added: "Appearing in the center of the field is something that he demonstrates from the wing anyway, but I imagine he's more in place for that more often.

"The player's high ball work was brilliant, wasn't it? I thought we persisted of doing the right thing and that was putting the ball back on them to gain field position.

"The reason that was the right strategy to do is because it's the likes of Mackie who was securing the possessions back, and other players, so [it's] quite satisfying."

Outside Hansen, there were numerous encouraging aspects for Farrell.

Sam Prendergast was excellent on his comeback to the number 10 position, the set piece and throw-in functioned smoothly and another teammate did not appear uncomfortable in his debut appearance in the front row.

But possibly most satisfying for the manager was Ireland framing the match with multiple strong periods.

Hansen's initial two scores came in the opening eleven minutes while additional players registered in the closing exchanges after the opposition had crossed, ensuring the Irish team concluded on a high.

"In my opinion we truly performed freely and attacked the game right from the word go," stated the coach.

"How we managed various elements throughout the game, especially the opposition coming back just before half-time and regathering ourselves and giving a display like we did in the later stages, I believed as far as field position and being familiar with most of our game in that second half was truly pleasing."

The might of the Springboks are next up for the team, in what might be viewed as an unofficial conclusion to the previous season's drawn multiple match series on opposition soil.

The coach's side will require to reach a higher standard to defeat the back-to-back world champions, but Saturday's victory of the Australian team was a important advancement in the correct path after an disappointing beginning to their autumn schedule.