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Following their previous disappointing showing against Japan, Andy Farrell told his Irish team to step up their game.

Ireland listened immediately.

Ireland had faded late against the All Blacks and required considerable time to get going versus Japan.

Nevertheless, facing Australia, they started powerfully, with Mack Hansen shining brightest during a 46-19 victory that marked the team's finest performance this year.

Making his first international appearance at the number 15 position, Hansen registered a three tries, competed excellently for high balls and played outstandingly against the country of his birth.

"You know, I've experienced a pretty difficult period with fitness issues honestly," Hansen stated.

"I missed being in this team, I know there's much discussion about me not necessarily being born here and I wasn't raised here, but I adore this team and this seems like family.

"Whenever I get to represent for Ireland it's a privilege, if you fail to deliver a performance you might not receive that privilege again.

"My whole focus this week was to take the field and do what I can do."

Coach declared: 'Good players require no justifications'

Following 28 caps on the flank, the player was given the number 15 position for the initial time with several players unavailable.

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

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

Having come back last month, he suffered a foot injury that made him unavailable for previous fixtures.

Farrell had indicated that Hansen was particularly determined and these turned out to be not hollow words as the former club player gave his manager a positive selection dilemma for future matches.

"Well my initial reaction were, 'You better perform well in those two coloured boots!'," said the coach, referring to Hansen's choice to wear mismatched boots.

"In fact I thought that was appropriate but apparently Mack just did that personally anyway. So he's attracted notice to himself before he's even begun.

"I said to him before the game, 'Good 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 went, 'Yes, I agree.'

"So he's that kind of performer, he prepares thoroughly, he's got a great approach to get across his detail and thus that's why he slotted right into the team and he was able to be himself due to that."

The player's performance also earned praise from the opposing coach, who stated he was the "standout opposition performer" on the night.

"I thought he was outstanding, his experience showed to the front," commented the ex- international manager.

"Unfortunately, Hansen was probably the standout Australian performer on the field. He's has a excellent ability and he's such a good competitor."

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

"His high ball work was brilliant, don't you think? I believed we didn't get bored of executing the correct approach and that was placing the possession again on them to gain territory.

"Why that was the right strategy to do is because it's the likes of Hansen who was getting the balls back, and other teammates, so [it's] quite pleasing."

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

Another player was outstanding on his comeback to the number 10 jersey, the scrum and throw-in functioned smoothly and another player did not look out of place in his first appearance in the forwards.

But possibly more satisfying for the manager was Ireland framing the match with multiple strong spells.

The player's first two scores occurred in the opening 11 minutes while additional players registered in the closing stages after the other team had scored, ensuring the home team finished on a positive note.

"I thought we truly performed freely and attacked the match straight from the word go," stated Farrell.

"How we handled numerous aspects during the match, particularly the opposition responding just before the break and reorganizing ourselves and giving a display like we did in the later stages, I thought as far as territory and being across most of our game in that later period was really pleasing."

The might of the Springboks are awaiting for Ireland, in what might be considered as an unofficial decider to last year's tied multiple match contest on rival soil.

The coach's side will require to attain a higher standard to defeat the back-to-back world champions, but the recent defeat of the Wallabies was a significant step in the right direction after an disappointing start to their fall schedule.