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After last week's underwhelming showing against Japan, Andy Farrell told his Ireland team to step up their game.

The team responded immediately.

Ireland had faded in the final stages against the All Blacks and taken most of the match to get going versus Japan.

However, against the Wallabies, they started strongly, with the talented back shining most prominently during a 46-19 victory that represented the team's finest display this year.

In his first international appearance at full-back, Hansen registered a hat-trick, contested brilliantly for high balls and performed exceptionally against the country of his birth.

"You know, I've experienced a fairly challenging period with injuries honestly," Hansen commented.

"I longed for being in this team, I understand there's much talk about me not exactly being born here and I didn't grow up here, but I adore this team and this seems like home.

"Whenever I get to play for Ireland it's a privilege, if you fail to deliver a good showing you may not receive that opportunity again.

"My whole approach this period was to go out and perform what I could do."

Coach declared: 'Excellent players don't need justifications'

Following 28 caps on the wing, Hansen was entrusted the number 15 position for the initial time with multiple players injured.

For him, it was essentially a case of picking up where he finished during the warmer months.

The 28-year-old had been in superb form before physical issues ended his aspiration of joining the Test squad.

After returned last month, he developed a foot injury that ruled him out for earlier matches.

The coach had suggested that Hansen was particularly motivated and these proved not hollow statements as the former club player gave his manager a welcome team dilemma for future matches.

"Well my initial reaction were, 'You need to play excellently in those different colored shoes!'," commented Farrell, referring to Hansen's decision to sport mismatched footwear.

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

"I said to him before the game, 'Good athletes 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 trains thoroughly, he's got a great approach to get across his preparation and thus that's why he slotted straight back in and he was able to be himself because of that."

The player's efforts also earned commendation from the opposing coach, who stated he was the "standout Australian performer" on the night.

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

"Unfortunately, Mack was likely the best opposition performer on the field. He's has a great ability and he's such a good competitor."

When asked about what enables the player a strong option at full-back, the coach added: "Appearing in the middle of the pitch is a trait that he demonstrates from the flank anyway, but I suppose he's better in position for that frequently.

"The player's aerial play was excellent, wasn't it? I thought we didn't get bored of doing the correct approach 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 teammates, so [it's] pretty 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 operated effectively and different player did not appear uncomfortable in his debut appearance in the forwards.

But perhaps most satisfying for the manager was Ireland framing the match with multiple strong spells.

Hansen's initial two scores occurred in the opening eleven moments while other players registered in the closing exchanges after the opposition had scored, ensuring the Irish side finished on a high.

"In my opinion we truly performed freely and attacked the match straight from the beginning," stated Farrell.

"How we managed various aspects during the game, especially them coming back just before half-time and regathering ourselves and producing a performance like we did in the second half, I believed as far as field position and being familiar with the majority of our strategy in that later period was really satisfying."

The might of South Africa are next up for Ireland, in what could be viewed as an unofficial decider to last year's drawn two-Test series on opposition soil.

The coach's side will need to reach a higher level to defeat the back-to-back world champions, but Saturday's victory of the Australian team was a significant step in the right path after an disappointing start to their autumn campaign.