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Following last week's underwhelming showing against Japan, the head coach told his Irish squad to improve their game.

Ireland responded right away.

Ireland had struggled in the final stages against the All Blacks and taken most of the match to get going versus Japan.

However, against the Wallabies, they began powerfully, with the talented back excelling brightest during a 46-19 triumph that marked the team's finest performance this year.

Making his first international appearance at full-back, Hansen scored a hat-trick, competed excellently for high balls and performed outstandingly against the nation of his origin.

"You know, I've experienced a fairly challenging run with injuries really," Hansen stated.

"I longed for being in this team, I know there's considerable talk about me not exactly being born here and I wasn't raised here, but I love this group and this feels like home.

"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 opportunity again.

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

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

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

For him, it was simply a matter of continuing where he finished during the summer.

The experienced player had been in superb form before physical issues ended his dream of joining the Test squad.

Having come back recently, he suffered a lower body injury that ruled him out for previous matches.

Farrell had indicated that the player was especially determined and these proved not hollow words as the former provincial player gave his manager a positive selection headache for upcoming games.

"So my first thoughts were, 'You better perform well in those two colored boots!'," said the coach, alluding to the player's choice to wear mismatched footwear.

"Actually I thought that was appropriate but it seems Hansen 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 players don't need justifications, 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 concur.'

"So he's that kind of player, he prepares thoroughly, he's got a excellent approach to understand his preparation and thus that's why he fitted right into the team and he was able to perform naturally due to that."

The player's performance also received praise from the opposing coach, who remarked he was the "exceptional opposition performer" on the night.

"I thought he was outstanding, his experience was evident to the fore," said the ex- international manager.

"Unfortunately, Hansen was likely the best opposition performer on the pitch. He's has a excellent skillset and he's such a strong contender."

Pressed about what makes the player a good option at the number 15 position, the coach added: "Appearing in the middle of the field is a trait that he does from the flank regardless, but I suppose he's more in position for that more often.

"His aerial work was excellent, don't you think? I thought we persisted of executing the correct approach and that was placing the possession back on them to secure field position.

"The reason that was the right thing to do is since it's the likes of Hansen who was getting the possessions returned, and other players, so [it's] pretty pleasing."

Outside Hansen, there were numerous positives for Farrell.

Sam Prendergast was outstanding on his return to the fly-half position, the scrum and line-out operated effectively and another teammate did not appear out of place in his debut appearance in the front row.

But perhaps most satisfying for the manager was Ireland framing the game with multiple impressive periods.

Hansen's first couple of tries occurred in the first eleven moments while additional players scored in the final exchanges after the other team had crossed, guaranteeing the Irish team finished on a positive note.

"I thought we truly let ourselves go and attacked the match right from the beginning," stated the coach.

"How we managed numerous aspects throughout the match, especially the opposition coming back just before half-time and regathering ourselves and producing a display like we achieved in the later stages, I thought as far as field position and being familiar with most of our strategy in that later period was truly pleasing."

The might of South Africa are awaiting for Ireland, in what could be considered as an informal conclusion to last year's drawn two-Test contest on opposition soil.

The coach's side will need to reach another level to beat the back-to-back title holders, but Saturday's defeat of the Australian team was a important step in the correct path after an disappointing beginning to their fall schedule.