Hansen produces brilliant display as Irish squad respond to coach's challenge

Following last week's disappointing showing against the Japanese team, the head coach challenged his Ireland team to step up their performance.

Ireland listened right away.

Ireland had faded late against New Zealand and taken considerable time to get going versus their Asian opponents.

However, against the Wallabies, they started powerfully, with Mack Hansen excelling brightest during a comprehensive victory that represented Ireland's finest display this year.

Making his debut test match start at full-back, the player scored a hat-trick, competed brilliantly for aerial challenges and performed outstandingly against the nation of his birth.

"You know, I've had a pretty challenging run with fitness issues really," Hansen stated.

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

"Any time 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 approach this period was to go out and do what I could do."

Manager declared: 'Good athletes don't need justifications'

After 28 appearances on the flank, the player was given the number 15 position for the first time with multiple teammates injured.

For him, it was essentially a matter of continuing where he left off during the warmer months.

The 28-year-old had been in excellent form before injury disrupted his dream of joining the international team.

After come back recently, he suffered a foot injury that ruled him out for previous matches.

The coach had indicated that the player was especially determined and these proved not hollow words as the ex- club player gave his manager a positive selection dilemma for upcoming matches.

"So my first thoughts were, 'You better perform well in those two coloured boots!'," said Farrell, referring to Hansen's choice to wear different footwear.

"Actually I thought that was fitting but apparently Hansen just did that himself anyway. So he's drawn attention to himself before he's even begun.

"I said to him before the match, 'Good players don't need justifications, they can get on with it and just be themselves, you can win the man of the match if you choose,' and he went, 'Yeah, I agree.'

"Therefore he's that kind of player, he prepares well, he's has a excellent attitude to get across his detail and so that's why he fitted right back in and he was capable to be himself due to that."

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

"I thought he was outstanding, his knowledge showed to the fore," said the former international manager.

"Regrettably, Hansen was likely the best opposition player on the pitch. He's has a great skillset and he's such a strong competitor."

Pressed about what enables the player a good fit at full-back, Farrell added: "Appearing in the middle of the field is a trait that he demonstrates from the wing regardless, but I imagine he's more in position for that frequently.

"The player's high ball work was excellent, wasn't it? I thought we didn't get bored of executing the correct thing and that was placing the ball back on them to gain field position.

"Why that was the correct strategy to do is because it's the players of Mackie who was getting the balls back, and other players, so [it's] quite pleasing."

Outside Hansen, there were multiple encouraging aspects for Farrell.

Sam Prendergast was outstanding on his comeback to the number 10 position, the scrum and line-out operated smoothly and another player did not appear uncomfortable in his first appearance in the front row.

But perhaps more satisfying for Farrell was the team bookending the match with multiple strong periods.

The player's first couple of scores came in the first 11 minutes while other teammates registered in the closing stages after the other team had crossed, guaranteeing the home side concluded on a high.

"I thought we truly let ourselves go and approached the game straight from the word go," stated the coach.

"How we handled numerous elements throughout the game, particularly the opposition responding just before half-time and reorganizing ourselves and producing a performance like we did in the second half, I thought as far as territory and being familiar with the majority of our strategy in that second half was really pleasing."

The might of the Springboks are awaiting for the team, in what might be considered as an unofficial conclusion to last year's tied multiple match contest on opposition soil.

The coach's side will require to attain another level to beat the back-to-back title holders, but Saturday's defeat of the Wallabies was a important advancement in the right path after an uninspiring start to their autumn campaign.