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Following their previous disappointing performance against the Japanese team, Andy Farrell challenged his Ireland team to step up their game.

Ireland responded right away.

The Irish side had struggled in the final stages against New Zealand and required considerable time to get going versus Japan.

Nevertheless, against the Wallabies, they began strongly, with the talented back excelling most prominently during a 46-19 victory that represented the team's finest display of the season.

Making his debut international appearance at full-back, the player registered a hat-trick, contested brilliantly for high balls and performed outstandingly against the country of his birth.

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

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

"Any time I have to play for the national team it's a privilege, if you don't put in a performance you might not get that privilege again.

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

Coach stated: 'Good athletes don't need excuses'

After 28 caps on the flank, the player was given the full-back role for the first time with several teammates injured.

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

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

After returned last month, he suffered a foot problem that ruled him out for earlier matches.

The coach had indicated that Hansen was particularly motivated and these proved not empty statements as the ex- club player gave his coach a welcome selection dilemma for future games.

"Well my initial thoughts were, 'You better perform well in those two colored boots!'," commented Farrell, alluding to Hansen's choice to sport mismatched boots.

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

"I said to him before the game, 'Good athletes don't need justifications, they can get on with it and just play naturally, you can get the player of the game if you want,' and he went, 'Yeah, I concur.'

"Therefore he's that kind of player, he prepares thoroughly, he's got a excellent approach to get across his detail and so that's why he slotted right back in and he was capable to be himself because of that."

Hansen's performance also earned commendation from the opposing manager, who remarked he was the "exceptional Australian player" on the night.

"In my view he was outstanding, his knowledge showed to the fore," commented the former international manager.

"Regrettably, Hansen was probably the best Australian performer on the field. He's got a great ability and he's such a good competitor."

When asked about what enables the player a good fit at full-back, the coach added: "Appearing in the center of the field is a trait that he demonstrates from the flank anyway, but I suppose he's more in place for that more often.

"His aerial work was excellent, don't you think? I believed we didn't get bored of executing the correct approach and that was putting the ball again on them to secure territory.

"Why that was the correct strategy to do is because it's the likes of Hansen who was securing the possessions back, and additional teammates, so [it's] pretty satisfying."

Beyond Hansen, there were numerous positives for Farrell.

Another player was outstanding on his return to the number 10 position, the scrum and line-out functioned effectively and different player did not look uncomfortable in his first start in the forwards.

But perhaps more pleasing for the manager was Ireland bookending the match with multiple strong spells.

Hansen's initial couple of scores occurred in the first eleven moments while other players scored in the closing exchanges after the opposition had crossed, ensuring the Irish team concluded on a high.

"In my opinion we really performed freely and attacked the game straight from the word go," said Farrell.

"How we handled various elements throughout the game, particularly them responding 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 across most of our strategy in that second half was truly satisfying."

The strength of South Africa are next up for the team, in what could be viewed as an unofficial conclusion to last year's tied two-Test contest on opposition soil.

Farrell's team will need to reach another standard to defeat the consecutive world champions, but the recent victory of the Wallabies was a significant step in the right direction after an disappointing beginning to their fall schedule.