Mack Hansen produces stellar performance as Irish squad answer to Farrell's demand

Following their previous underwhelming showing against Japan, the head coach challenged his Irish team to step up their performance.

The team responded immediately.

The Irish side had struggled late against New Zealand and required considerable time to find their rhythm versus Japan.

However, against Australia, they started strongly, with the talented back shining brightest during a 46-19 triumph that represented the team's best display of the season.

In his first international appearance at the number 15 position, Hansen scored a three tries, contested brilliantly for aerial challenges and played exceptionally against the country of his origin.

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

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

"Whenever I get to play for the national team it's a honor, if you fail to deliver a performance you might not get that privilege again.

"My entire focus this period was to take the field and do what I could do."

Manager stated: 'Excellent players require no excuses'

Following 28 appearances on the wing, Hansen was entrusted the number 15 role for the first time with several teammates injured.

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

The 28-year-old had been in excellent condition before physical issues disrupted his aspiration of joining the Test team.

After come back recently, he developed a lower body problem that made him unavailable for previous matches.

The coach had indicated that the player was particularly determined and these proved not hollow words as the former provincial player gave his manager a positive selection dilemma for upcoming games.

"So my initial reaction were, 'You better play well in those different colored boots!'," said Farrell, referring to the player's choice to wear different footwear.

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

"I said to him before the game, 'Good players don't need excuses, they can perform and just be themselves, you can get the man of the match if you choose,' and he went, 'Yes, I agree.'

"So he's that type of performer, he prepares thoroughly, he's got a excellent approach to understand his preparation and thus that's why he slotted straight back in and he was capable to be himself due to that."

Hansen's performance also earned praise from the opposing manager, who stated he was the "standout Australian performer" on the evening.

"I thought he was outstanding, his experience was evident to the fore," commented the former national coach.

"Regrettably, Mack was probably the standout Australian performer on the field. He's got a excellent skillset and he's such a strong contender."

Pressed about what enables Hansen a good fit at the number 15 position, Farrell added: "Showing up in the center of the pitch is a trait that he demonstrates from the flank anyway, but I suppose he's better in position for that more often.

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

"The reason that was the correct strategy to do is since it's the likes of Mackie who was getting the possessions returned, and other players, so [it's] pretty satisfying."

Outside the star performer, there were multiple positives for Farrell.

Sam Prendergast was excellent on his return to the fly-half position, the set piece and throw-in operated effectively and another player did not appear uncomfortable in his first start in the forwards.

But perhaps most pleasing for Farrell was the team framing the game with two strong spells.

The player's first two tries came in the first eleven moments while other teammates registered in the final exchanges after the other team had scored, ensuring the home side concluded on a positive note.

"In my opinion we truly let ourselves go and attacked the game right from the word go," stated Farrell.

"The way we managed various elements throughout the game, particularly the opposition responding just before the break and reorganizing ourselves and giving a display like we did in the later stages, I believed as far as field position and being across the majority of our game in that second half was really satisfying."

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

The coach's side will need to reach another level to defeat the back-to-back world champions, but the recent defeat of the Australian team was a significant step in the right direction after an disappointing beginning to their autumn campaign.