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After last week's disappointing performance against Japan, the head coach challenged his Ireland squad to improve their game.

The team listened immediately.

Ireland had faded in the final stages against the All Blacks and required considerable time to get going versus their Asian opponents.

However, facing the Wallabies, they started powerfully, with Mack Hansen shining brightest during a comprehensive victory that represented the team's finest performance this year.

In his first test match appearance at the number 15 position, Hansen registered a three tries, contested brilliantly for aerial challenges and performed exceptionally against the country of his birth.

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

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

"Any time I have to play for the national team it's a privilege, if you don't put in a performance you may not receive that privilege again.

"My whole approach this period was to take the field and do what I can do."

Coach stated: 'Excellent players require no justifications'

After twenty-eight appearances on the flank, the player was given the number 15 role for the first time with several players unavailable.

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

The experienced player had been in superb condition before injury ended his aspiration of joining the Test squad.

Having come back recently, he developed a foot problem that ruled him out for previous fixtures.

Farrell had suggested that Hansen was especially determined and these turned out to be not empty statements as the ex- club player gave his coach a welcome selection headache for future games.

"Well my initial thoughts were, 'You need to play excellently in those different colored shoes!'," commented Farrell, referring to the player's decision to wear different footwear.

"Actually I believed that was fitting but apparently Hansen just did that himself regardless. So he's attracted attention to himself before he's even begun.

"I told to him before the game, 'Good players require no justifications, they can perform and just play naturally, you can win the man of the match if you want,' and he responded, 'Yeah, I concur.'

"So he's that kind of player, he trains well, he's has a great approach to understand his detail and thus that's why he fitted right back in and he was able to be himself due to that."

Hansen's performance also earned commendation from the rival coach, who remarked he was the "standout opposition performer" on the evening.

"In my view he was outstanding, his experience was evident to the fore," said the ex- international manager.

"Regrettably, Mack was probably the best Australian player on the field. He's got a great skillset and he's such a strong competitor."

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

"The player's aerial work was brilliant, don't you think? I thought we didn't get bored of executing the right thing and that was putting the possession back on them to gain field position.

"The reason that was the correct strategy to do is because it's the players of Hansen who was getting the balls returned, and additional players, so [it's] pretty satisfying."

Beyond the star performer, there were multiple positives for Farrell.

Sam Prendergast was outstanding on his return to the fly-half position, the set piece and throw-in operated effectively and different teammate did not look uncomfortable in his debut start in the forwards.

But possibly more satisfying for Farrell was the team framing the match with two strong periods.

Hansen's first two tries occurred in the opening 11 moments while additional players registered in the closing exchanges after the opposition had scored, guaranteeing the home team concluded on a high.

"I thought we really performed freely and approached the match straight from the beginning," said the coach.

"How we handled numerous aspects during the game, especially them responding just before half-time and regathering ourselves and producing a performance like we achieved in the second half, I believed as far as territory and being familiar with the majority of our strategy in that second half was truly pleasing."

The might of the Springboks are awaiting for Ireland, in what could be viewed as an unofficial conclusion to last year's tied two-Test contest on opposition soil.

Farrell's side will need to reach another level to defeat the back-to-back title holders, but the recent defeat of the Wallabies was a significant advancement in the correct path after an uninspiring start to their fall schedule.