Mack Hansen produces brilliant display as Ireland answer to Farrell's challenge

Following last week's disappointing showing against Japan, Andy Farrell told his Ireland team to improve their game.

Ireland responded right away.

Ireland had faded in the final stages against New Zealand and required considerable time to get going versus their Asian opponents.

Nevertheless, against Australia, they started strongly, with Mack Hansen shining brightest during a comprehensive victory that represented Ireland's finest performance of the season.

In his first test match appearance at the number 15 position, the player scored a hat-trick, contested brilliantly for high balls and performed outstandingly against the country of his origin.

"You know, I've experienced a pretty challenging period with injuries really," Hansen commented.

"I longed for being in this squad, I understand there's considerable discussion about me not exactly being raised here and I didn't grow up here, but I love this team and this feels like home.

"Whenever I get to represent for the national team it's a privilege, if you don't put in a good showing you might not receive that opportunity again.

"My whole focus this period was to go out and do what I could do."

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

Following twenty-eight caps on the wing, Hansen was given the number 15 position for the first time with multiple players unavailable.

In his case, it was simply a case of picking up where he finished during the warmer months.

The experienced player had been in superb condition before physical issues disrupted his dream of making the international squad.

After returned recently, he suffered a foot problem that made him unavailable for previous fixtures.

The coach had suggested that the player was especially determined and these turned out to be not hollow statements as the ex- provincial player gave his coach a positive team dilemma for upcoming matches.

"Well my initial thoughts were, 'You better play excellently in those two coloured boots!'," commented Farrell, referring to Hansen's decision to sport mismatched footwear.

"Actually I thought that was fitting but it seems Mack just did that personally anyway. So he's drawn notice to himself before he's even begun.

"I said to him before the match, 'Good players don't need excuses, they can perform and just be themselves, you can win the player of the game if you choose,' and he responded, 'Yes, I concur.'

"Therefore he's that kind of player, he prepares well, he's has a great approach to get across his detail and so that's why he fitted right into the team and he was capable to perform naturally due to that."

Hansen's efforts also received praise from the opposing manager, who stated he was the "standout opposition player" on the evening.

"In my view he was super, his experience showed to the front," commented the former national coach.

"Regrettably, Mack was likely the standout Australian performer on the field. He's has a great ability and he's such a good contender."

When asked about what enables Hansen a strong fit at the number 15 position, Farrell continued: "Appearing in the center of the pitch is a trait that he demonstrates from the wing regardless, but I imagine he's more in position for that more often.

"His aerial work was brilliant, 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 secure field position.

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

Outside Hansen, there were numerous encouraging aspects for the coach.

Sam Prendergast was excellent on his return to the number 10 jersey, the scrum and throw-in functioned smoothly and different player did not appear uncomfortable in his first appearance in the forwards.

But possibly more pleasing for Farrell was Ireland bookending the match with two strong periods.

The player's initial two tries came in the first eleven minutes while additional players scored in the closing stages after the opposition had crossed, ensuring the Irish side finished on a positive note.

"In my opinion we really let ourselves go and attacked the match straight from the word go," said Farrell.

"How we managed numerous aspects throughout the match, particularly the opposition coming back just before half-time and reorganizing ourselves and producing a display like we did in the second half, I thought as far as field position and being across most of our strategy in that second half was really satisfying."

The might of South Africa are awaiting for the team, in what could be considered as an unofficial conclusion to the previous season's tied two-Test series on rival soil.

Farrell's side will need to reach a higher level to beat the consecutive world champions, but Saturday's victory of the Wallabies was a important step in the right direction after an uninspiring start to their fall schedule.