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Following their previous underwhelming performance against the Japanese team, the head coach challenged his Irish squad to step up their performance.

The team listened right away.

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

Nevertheless, against Australia, they started powerfully, with the talented back excelling brightest during a comprehensive victory that represented Ireland's finest display of the season.

In his first test match appearance at full-back, Hansen registered a three tries, contested brilliantly for aerial challenges and played outstandingly against the country of his origin.

"You know, I've experienced a fairly challenging period with fitness issues honestly," the athlete commented.

"I missed being in this squad, I know there's considerable discussion about me not exactly being born here and I didn't grow up here, but I adore this team and this feels like family.

"Whenever I get to play for the national team it's a honor, if you don't put in a good showing you may not receive that privilege again.

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

Coach declared: 'Excellent players require no justifications'

Following twenty-eight caps on the wing, the player was given the full-back position for the first time with several teammates injured.

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

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

After returned last month, he developed a lower body problem that ruled him out for previous fixtures.

The coach had indicated that Hansen was particularly determined and these turned out to be not empty statements as the former provincial player gave his manager a positive team headache for upcoming matches.

"So my first thoughts were, 'You better play well in those different coloured shoes!'," commented the coach, referring to Hansen's decision to sport different boots.

"Actually I thought that was fitting but it seems Hansen just made that himself regardless. So he's drawn notice 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 man of the match if you want,' and he responded, 'Yeah, I agree.'

"So he's that kind of performer, he prepares well, he's has a great approach to understand his preparation and thus that's why he slotted straight back in and he was able to perform naturally due to that."

Hansen's performance also received praise from the rival manager, who remarked he was the "exceptional Australian player" on the evening.

"I thought he was super, his experience showed to the front," said the ex- national manager.

"Unfortunately, Hansen was likely the best opposition player on the field. He's has a excellent ability and he's such a strong contender."

When asked about what makes Hansen a good fit at the number 15 position, Farrell continued: "Showing up in the center of the field is a trait that he does from the wing anyway, but I suppose he's more in place for that frequently.

"His aerial play was excellent, don't you think? I thought we didn't get bored of executing the right thing and that was placing the possession again on them to gain field position.

"The reason that was the correct strategy to do is since it's the likes of Hansen who was securing the balls back, and additional teammates, so [it's] quite pleasing."

Outside Hansen, there were numerous encouraging aspects for Farrell.

Sam Prendergast was excellent on his comeback to the number 10 jersey, the scrum and line-out operated smoothly and different teammate did not appear uncomfortable in his debut appearance in the forwards.

But possibly most pleasing for Farrell was Ireland framing the game with multiple impressive periods.

Hansen's initial couple of scores came in the opening eleven minutes while other players registered in the final exchanges after the other team had scored, ensuring the home team finished on a positive note.

"In my opinion we really let ourselves go and approached the match right from the beginning," stated Farrell.

"The way we handled various elements throughout the game, particularly the opposition coming back just before half-time and reorganizing ourselves and producing a performance like we achieved in the second half, I thought as far as territory and being across most of our strategy in that second half was really satisfying."

The might of South Africa are awaiting for Ireland, in what might be considered as an unofficial decider to last year's tied two-Test series on opposition territory.

The coach's side will need to attain a higher level to defeat the back-to-back title holders, but the recent defeat of the Australian team was a important step in the right path after an disappointing start to their autumn campaign.