🔗 Share this article

Following last week's underwhelming showing against Japan, Andy Farrell challenged his Irish squad to step up their performance.

The team listened right away.

The Irish side had struggled in the final stages against New Zealand and required most of the match to find their rhythm versus Japan.

However, against Australia, they began strongly, with the talented back shining brightest during a 46-19 victory that represented the team's best display this year.

In his first test match start at full-back, Hansen registered a three tries, competed brilliantly for high balls and performed exceptionally against the nation of his origin.

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

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

"Whenever I have to represent for Ireland it's a privilege, if you don't put in a good showing you may not get that opportunity again.

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

Coach declared: 'Excellent players require no excuses'

Following 28 caps on the flank, Hansen was given the number 15 position for the first time with several players injured.

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

The experienced player had been in superb condition before injury ended his dream of joining the international team.

Having returned recently, he suffered a lower body problem that ruled him out for earlier fixtures.

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

"So my initial thoughts were, 'You need to play excellently in those two coloured shoes!'," said the coach, alluding to the player's decision to sport mismatched footwear.

"Actually I believed that was fitting but apparently Hansen just made that himself regardless. So he's attracted notice to himself before he's even started.

"I said to him before the match, 'Good athletes require no justifications, they can perform and just play naturally, you can win the man of the match if you choose,' and he went, 'Yeah, I agree.'

"So he's that kind of player, he trains well, he's has a excellent attitude to get across his detail and so that's why he fitted straight back in and he was able to perform naturally because of that."

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

"I thought he was super, his knowledge was evident to the fore," commented the ex- international manager.

"Unfortunately, Mack was probably the best Australian player on the field. He's has a excellent skillset and he's such a good competitor."

Pressed about what enables Hansen a good fit at the number 15 position, Farrell added: "Showing up in the center of the field is a trait that he does from the wing anyway, but I imagine he's better in place for that more often.

"His aerial work was excellent, don't you think? I believed we persisted of doing the right approach and that was placing the ball back 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 returned, and other teammates, so [it's] quite satisfying."

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

Another player was outstanding on his return to the number 10 jersey, the scrum and throw-in operated smoothly and different player did not appear out of place in his first start in the front row.

But possibly most satisfying for Farrell was Ireland bookending the match with multiple strong spells.

The player's first couple of scores occurred in the opening eleven minutes while other teammates scored in the final exchanges after the other team had crossed, ensuring the Irish side concluded on a high.

"I thought we truly performed freely and attacked the match right from the beginning," stated the coach.

"How we managed numerous elements throughout the game, especially them responding just before half-time and reorganizing ourselves and giving a performance like we did in the later stages, I thought as far as territory and being across the majority of our strategy in that second half was truly satisfying."

The might of the Springboks are awaiting for the team, in what might be considered as an informal decider to the previous season's drawn two-Test contest on opposition territory.

Farrell's side will need to attain another standard to defeat the back-to-back world champions, but Saturday's defeat of the Australian team was a significant step in the right direction after an disappointing start to their fall campaign.