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Following their previous disappointing performance against the Japanese team, Andy Farrell told his Ireland team to improve their performance.

Ireland listened immediately.

The Irish side had faded in the final stages against the All Blacks and required most of the match to get going versus their Asian opponents.

However, facing Australia, they began powerfully, with the talented back shining most prominently during a comprehensive triumph that represented the team's best display this year.

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

"You know, I've had a fairly difficult run with fitness issues really," Hansen commented.

"I missed being in this squad, I understand there's much talk about me not exactly being raised here and I didn't grow up here, but I adore this team and this feels like home.

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

"My entire focus this week was to go out and perform what I could do."

Coach stated: 'Good players don't need excuses'

After 28 appearances on the wing, the player was given the number 15 position for the initial time with several teammates injured.

In his case, it was simply a matter of continuing where he finished during the warmer months.

The experienced player had been in superb condition before physical issues disrupted his dream of joining the international squad.

After come back last month, he developed a lower body problem that ruled him out for previous matches.

Farrell had indicated that the player was particularly determined and these proved not empty words as the ex- provincial player gave his coach a positive team dilemma for future matches.

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

"In fact I thought that was fitting but it seems Mack just made that personally regardless. So he's attracted attention to himself before he's even begun.

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

"Therefore he's that type of player, he prepares thoroughly, he's has a excellent attitude to get across his detail and so that's why he slotted straight into the team and he was able to be himself due to that."

The player's efforts also earned praise from the opposing coach, who remarked he was the "standout Australian player" on the evening.

"In my view he was super, his experience was evident to the fore," said the former national manager.

"Regrettably, Mack was likely the best Australian performer on the pitch. He's has a excellent ability and he's such a strong contender."

When asked about what makes Hansen a strong option at the number 15 position, the coach continued: "Showing up in the center of the pitch is a trait that he demonstrates from the flank regardless, but I imagine he's better in place for that more often.

"His high ball play was excellent, don't you think? I believed we persisted of executing the correct thing and that was placing the possession back on them to gain field position.

"The reason that was the right strategy to do is because it's the likes of Hansen who was securing the balls returned, and additional teammates, so [it's] quite pleasing."

Beyond Hansen, there were numerous positives for Farrell.

Sam Prendergast was excellent on his return to the number 10 jersey, the scrum and throw-in operated smoothly and another player did not appear uncomfortable in his first appearance in the front row.

But possibly more satisfying for Farrell was Ireland bookending the match with two impressive spells.

The player's first couple of tries occurred in the opening 11 minutes while additional players registered in the final exchanges after the opposition had scored, ensuring the Irish team finished on a positive note.

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

"The way we managed numerous aspects throughout the match, particularly the opposition responding just before the break and regathering ourselves and producing a display 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 pleasing."

The might of South Africa are next up for the team, in what could be considered as an unofficial decider to last year's drawn multiple match contest on rival territory.

Farrell's side will require to reach another standard to defeat the back-to-back title holders, but Saturday's defeat of the Australian team was a significant advancement in the correct direction after an uninspiring start to their autumn campaign.