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After their previous underwhelming showing against Japan, the head coach challenged his Ireland squad to step up their game.

Ireland responded right away.

Ireland had struggled late against New Zealand and taken considerable time to find their rhythm versus Japan.

Nevertheless, facing the Wallabies, they started powerfully, with the talented back shining most prominently during a comprehensive triumph that marked the team's best display this year.

In his first international appearance at the number 15 position, the player registered a three tries, competed excellently for high balls and performed outstandingly against the nation of his birth.

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

"I missed being in this squad, I understand there's considerable talk about me not exactly being raised here and I wasn't raised here, but I love this group and this seems like family.

"Any time I have to represent for Ireland it's a honor, if you fail to deliver a good showing you may not receive that opportunity again.

"My entire approach this week was to go out and do what I can do."

Manager declared: 'Excellent players require no justifications'

Following 28 appearances on the wing, the player was entrusted the number 15 role for the initial time with several players injured.

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

The experienced player had been in superb form before injury disrupted his aspiration of making the international team.

After returned last month, he suffered a lower body injury that made him unavailable for previous matches.

Farrell had suggested that Hansen was especially motivated and these turned out to be not empty statements as the former club player gave his manager a welcome selection dilemma for upcoming games.

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

"Actually I thought that was appropriate but it seems Hansen just did that himself regardless. So he's attracted attention to himself before he's even begun.

"I said to him before the game, 'Excellent athletes require no excuses, they can perform and just be themselves, you can win the man of the match if you want,' and he responded, 'Yes, I concur.'

"Therefore he's that type of player, he trains well, he's got a great attitude to understand his preparation and so that's why he slotted right into the team and he was capable to perform naturally due to that."

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

"I thought he was outstanding, his knowledge showed to the front," said the ex- national manager.

"Unfortunately, Hansen was likely the standout Australian player on the field. He's has a excellent ability and he's such a strong contender."

Pressed about what enables the player a strong option at the number 15 position, the coach added: "Showing up in the middle of the field is something that he demonstrates from the flank anyway, but I imagine he's more in place for that more often.

"His aerial work was excellent, don't you think? I thought we didn't get bored of doing the right thing and that was placing the possession again on them to gain field position.

"Why that was the correct thing to do is since it's the likes of Mackie who was getting the balls returned, and additional teammates, so [it's] pretty pleasing."

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

Sam Prendergast was excellent on his comeback to the number 10 jersey, the set piece and throw-in operated effectively and different player did not look out of place in his debut appearance in the forwards.

But possibly most pleasing for the manager was Ireland bookending the game with multiple strong spells.

Hansen's initial couple of scores occurred in the first 11 moments while additional teammates registered in the final stages after the other team had crossed, guaranteeing the Irish side concluded on a high.

"In my opinion we truly let ourselves go and approached the game straight from the word go," said Farrell.

"How we handled numerous aspects throughout the match, particularly them responding just before the break and regathering ourselves and giving a performance like we did in the later stages, I believed as far as territory and being familiar with the majority of our game in that later period was truly pleasing."

The might of the Springboks are awaiting for Ireland, in what might be viewed as an informal decider to the previous season's tied multiple match series on opposition territory.

The coach's team will need to reach another standard to defeat the back-to-back title holders, but the recent victory of the Australian team was a important step in the correct path after an disappointing start to their autumn schedule.