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After last week's underwhelming performance against Japan, the head coach challenged his Irish squad to improve their game.

The team responded immediately.

Ireland had faded in the final stages against New Zealand and taken considerable time to get going versus their Asian opponents.

Nevertheless, against the Wallabies, they started strongly, with the talented back shining brightest during a comprehensive triumph that marked the team's best performance of the season.

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

"Look, I've had a pretty difficult run with injuries really," the athlete commented.

"I missed being in this squad, I know there's much talk about me not necessarily being raised here and I didn't grow up here, but I love this team and this feels like family.

"Whenever I have to play for the national team it's a honor, if you fail to deliver a good showing you might not receive that privilege again.

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

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

Following 28 caps on the flank, the player was entrusted the number 15 role for the initial time with multiple players unavailable.

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

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

Having come back recently, he suffered a foot injury that made him unavailable for earlier matches.

The coach had indicated that the player was especially motivated and these proved not hollow statements as the ex- provincial player gave his coach a welcome selection dilemma for upcoming matches.

"So my initial reaction were, 'You better play excellently in those different colored shoes!'," said Farrell, alluding to the player's choice to wear different footwear.

"In fact I thought that was appropriate but apparently Hansen just made that himself anyway. So he's drawn notice to himself before he's even started.

"I told to him before the match, 'Good athletes don't need excuses, they can get on with it 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 type of player, he prepares thoroughly, he's got a excellent approach to get across his detail and thus that's why he slotted straight into the team and he was capable to perform naturally because of that."

The player's performance also received commendation from the rival coach, who remarked he was the "exceptional Australian player" on the evening.

"I thought he was outstanding, his knowledge showed to the fore," said the ex- international coach.

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

When asked about what enables the player a good fit at the number 15 position, Farrell added: "Appearing in the center of the pitch is something that he demonstrates from the flank anyway, but I imagine he's better in position for that frequently.

"His high ball play was excellent, don't you think? I thought we persisted of doing the correct approach and that was placing the ball again on them to gain territory.

"The reason that was the right strategy to do is since it's the likes of Hansen who was securing the possessions back, and other teammates, so [it's] quite pleasing."

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

Another player was excellent on his return to the number 10 jersey, the scrum and throw-in functioned smoothly and another teammate did not look uncomfortable in his debut appearance in the front row.

But perhaps most satisfying for the manager was Ireland bookending the game with two strong spells.

Hansen's first couple of scores occurred in the first 11 minutes while additional teammates registered in the final exchanges after the opposition had crossed, ensuring the Irish team finished on a high.

"In my opinion we truly let ourselves go and attacked the game straight from the beginning," stated Farrell.

"How we handled numerous elements throughout the match, especially the opposition responding just before the break 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 most of our game in that second half was truly pleasing."

The strength of South Africa are next up for the team, in what could be viewed as an unofficial conclusion to last year's drawn multiple match series on rival territory.

The coach's team will require to reach a higher standard to defeat the consecutive title holders, but Saturday's victory of the Wallabies was a important advancement in the right path after an uninspiring beginning to their autumn schedule.