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After last week's underwhelming showing against the Japanese team, Andy Farrell challenged his Ireland squad to improve their performance.

Ireland listened immediately.

Ireland had struggled in the final stages against the All Blacks and required most of the match to find their rhythm versus their Asian opponents.

However, facing the Wallabies, they began powerfully, with the talented back excelling most prominently during a 46-19 triumph that represented the team's best performance this year.

In his debut international appearance at the number 15 position, the player registered a three tries, competed brilliantly for high balls and played exceptionally against the country of his origin.

"Look, I've had a pretty difficult period with fitness issues honestly," the athlete commented.

"I longed for being in this squad, I know there's considerable talk about me not exactly being born here and I didn't grow up here, but I love this group and this feels like home.

"Whenever I get to represent for Ireland it's a honor, if you don't put in a performance you might not get that opportunity again.

"My entire approach this week was to take the field and do what I can do."

Manager stated: 'Excellent players don't need excuses'

Following 28 appearances on the flank, Hansen was given the full-back role for the initial time with several teammates unavailable.

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

The experienced player had been in excellent form before injury disrupted his dream of joining the international team.

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

The coach had indicated that the player was especially motivated and these turned out to be not empty statements as the former provincial player gave his manager a welcome selection headache for upcoming games.

"So my first thoughts were, 'You need to perform excellently in those different colored boots!'," said Farrell, alluding to the player's choice to sport different footwear.

"In fact I thought that was fitting but apparently Mack just did that himself regardless. So he's drawn notice to himself before he's even started.

"I told to him before the match, 'Excellent athletes don't need excuses, they can perform and just play naturally, you can win the man of the match if you want,' and he went, 'Yeah, I concur.'

"Therefore he's that kind of player, he trains thoroughly, he's got a great approach to get across his preparation and so that's why he slotted right back in and he was able to perform naturally because of that."

Hansen's efforts also received commendation from the rival coach, who remarked he was the "exceptional Australian player" on the night.

"I thought he was outstanding, his experience showed to the fore," commented the former international coach.

"Unfortunately, Mack was likely the best opposition player on the pitch. He's got a excellent skillset and he's such a strong competitor."

When asked about what enables Hansen a strong fit at the number 15 position, the coach continued: "Appearing in the middle of the field is something that he demonstrates from the wing regardless, but I suppose he's more in position for that frequently.

"The player's aerial play was excellent, don't you think? I believed we didn't get bored of doing the right thing and that was putting the ball back on them to gain territory.

"Why that was the right thing to do is because it's the likes of Mackie who was securing the balls back, and other teammates, so [it's] pretty satisfying."

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

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

But perhaps more pleasing for the manager was Ireland bookending the game with two strong periods.

The player's first couple of scores occurred in the first 11 moments while additional teammates registered in the final stages after the opposition had crossed, guaranteeing the Irish side finished on a high.

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

"The way we handled numerous aspects during the game, particularly the opposition responding just before the break and regathering ourselves and producing a display like we did in the later stages, I thought as far as territory and being across the majority of our strategy in that later period was truly pleasing."

The might of South Africa are next up for the team, in what could be considered as an unofficial conclusion to last year's tied multiple match series on opposition territory.

The coach's side will need to attain another standard to beat the consecutive world champions, but the recent victory of the Wallabies was a important step in the correct path after an uninspiring beginning to their autumn schedule.