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Following their previous underwhelming performance against the Japanese team, the head coach challenged his Ireland team to improve their game.

Ireland responded immediately.

Ireland had faded late against New Zealand and taken most of the match to find their rhythm versus Japan.

However, facing Australia, they began powerfully, with the talented back shining most prominently during a comprehensive triumph that represented the team's finest display of the season.

In his first test match appearance at the number 15 position, the player registered a three tries, competed brilliantly for high balls and performed exceptionally against the country of his origin.

"Look, I've had a pretty challenging run with fitness issues really," the athlete stated.

"I missed being in this squad, I know there's much talk about me not necessarily being raised here and I wasn't raised here, but I love this group and this feels like home.

"Any time I have to represent for Ireland it's a honor, if you don't put in a performance you might not receive that opportunity again.

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

Coach declared: 'Excellent players require no excuses'

Following twenty-eight appearances on the flank, the player was given the number 15 position for the first time with several players injured.

For him, it was simply a case of picking up where he left off during the warmer months.

The experienced player had been in excellent condition before injury disrupted his aspiration of making the Test squad.

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

The coach had indicated that the player was particularly motivated and these proved not hollow statements as the former provincial player gave his manager a positive team headache for upcoming matches.

"So my initial thoughts were, 'You need to play well in those different coloured boots!'," said the coach, referring to Hansen's choice to sport mismatched footwear.

"Actually I thought that was fitting but it seems Mack just did that himself regardless. So he's drawn attention to himself before he's even started.

"I told to him before the match, 'Good athletes don't need justifications, they can get on with it and just be themselves, you can win the man of the match if you want,' and he responded, 'Yes, I agree.'

"Therefore he's that kind of player, he prepares well, he's has a great attitude to understand his detail and so that's why he slotted straight into the team and he was capable to be himself because of that."

The player's efforts also received commendation from the rival coach, who remarked he was the "exceptional opposition player" on the evening.

"I thought he was super, his experience was evident to the front," said the ex- national manager.

"Unfortunately, Mack was likely the best opposition player on the pitch. He's has a excellent skillset and he's such a strong competitor."

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

"His high ball work was brilliant, don't you think? I believed we didn't get bored of doing the correct approach and that was placing the possession again on them to gain field position.

"The reason that was the right strategy to do is since it's the likes of Hansen who was securing the balls returned, and additional players, so [it's] pretty satisfying."

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

Sam Prendergast was outstanding on his return to the fly-half jersey, the scrum and line-out functioned effectively and another teammate did not appear uncomfortable in his debut appearance in the forwards.

But perhaps more pleasing for the manager was Ireland framing the game with multiple strong periods.

The player's initial couple of tries occurred in the opening 11 minutes while other teammates registered in the final stages after the opposition had scored, ensuring the Irish side finished on a high.

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

"The way we managed various aspects during the match, especially them coming back just before half-time and reorganizing ourselves and producing a performance like we achieved in the later stages, I thought as far as territory and being across the majority of our strategy in that second half was truly satisfying."

The strength of South Africa are awaiting for the team, in what could be considered as an unofficial decider to last year's tied multiple match contest on rival territory.

Farrell's team will need to reach a higher standard to defeat the back-to-back world champions, but the recent defeat of the Wallabies was a significant step in the right direction after an disappointing start to their autumn schedule.