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After their previous disappointing performance against the Japanese team, the head coach challenged his Ireland team to step up their game.

The team responded immediately.

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

Nevertheless, against Australia, they started strongly, with Mack Hansen shining brightest during a 46-19 triumph that represented Ireland's finest performance this year.

In his debut test match start at the number 15 position, the player registered a three tries, competed brilliantly for aerial challenges and played outstandingly against the country of his origin.

"You know, I've had a pretty challenging run with injuries really," the athlete commented.

"I missed being in this team, I understand there's considerable discussion about me not necessarily being raised here and I wasn't raised here, but I adore this team and this feels like family.

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

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

Manager declared: 'Excellent players require no justifications'

Following twenty-eight appearances on the flank, Hansen was entrusted the full-back position for the initial time with several players unavailable.

For him, it was simply a case of picking up where he finished during the summer.

The 28-year-old had been in excellent condition before injury ended his aspiration of joining the international team.

Having returned recently, he developed a lower body injury that ruled him out for earlier matches.

Farrell had suggested that the player was especially motivated and these proved not empty words as the former club player gave his coach a welcome team dilemma for upcoming games.

"So my initial reaction were, 'You better perform excellently in those two colored boots!'," commented the coach, referring to Hansen's choice to wear mismatched boots.

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

"I said to him before the match, 'Excellent athletes don't need excuses, they can get on with it and just play naturally, you can win the player of the game if you choose,' and he responded, 'Yes, I concur.'

"So he's that type of performer, he trains thoroughly, he's got a great attitude to get across his preparation and so that's why he fitted straight back in and he was capable to be himself because of that."

The player's performance also earned commendation from the rival manager, who remarked he was the "exceptional opposition player" on the evening.

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

"Regrettably, Hansen was probably the best opposition player on the field. He's got a excellent ability and he's such a good competitor."

When asked about what enables Hansen a good option at full-back, Farrell added: "Showing up in the middle of the field is a trait that he does from the flank regardless, but I imagine he's better in position for that more often.

"The player's high ball work was brilliant, wasn't it? I thought we persisted of doing the right approach and that was placing the possession back on them to gain field position.

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

Outside the star performer, there were numerous encouraging aspects for the coach.

Another player was excellent on his return to the number 10 jersey, the set piece and line-out operated smoothly and different player did not appear out of place in his debut start in the front row.

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

Hansen's first couple of tries occurred in the opening 11 minutes while other teammates registered in the final stages after the opposition had crossed, guaranteeing the Irish team concluded on a positive note.

"I thought we truly performed freely and approached the game straight from the beginning," said the coach.

"How we handled numerous aspects during the game, 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 territory and being familiar with most of our strategy in that later period was truly pleasing."

The strength of South Africa are awaiting for Ireland, in what might be viewed as an informal conclusion to the previous season's drawn two-Test series on rival soil.

Farrell's team will need to reach another level to beat the back-to-back world champions, but Saturday's defeat of the Australian team was a important step in the correct direction after an uninspiring start to their fall campaign.