Following their previous underwhelming showing against Japan, Andy Farrell challenged his Irish squad to step up their game.
Ireland responded right away.
The Irish side had faded late against the All Blacks and required most of the match to find their rhythm versus Japan.
However, facing the Wallabies, they began strongly, with the talented back excelling brightest during a 46-19 victory that represented the team's finest performance this year.
Making his first test match appearance at full-back, Hansen scored a three tries, contested brilliantly for aerial challenges and played outstandingly against the nation of his birth.
"You know, I've had a pretty difficult run with fitness issues honestly," Hansen stated.
"I missed being in this team, I know there's considerable talk about me not necessarily being raised here and I wasn't raised here, but I adore this team and this seems like family.
"Whenever I get to represent for the national team it's a honor, if you fail to deliver a good showing you may not get that opportunity again.
"My whole approach this week was to go out and do what I could do."
Coach declared: 'Excellent athletes require no excuses'
After 28 appearances on the flank, the player was entrusted the number 15 role for the initial time with multiple teammates 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 form before physical issues ended his aspiration of making the Test squad.
After come back recently, he suffered a lower body injury that ruled him out for earlier fixtures.
The coach had indicated that the player was particularly determined and these turned out to be not hollow words as the former club player gave his manager a positive team headache for future games.
"Well my first thoughts were, 'You better perform excellently in those different coloured shoes!'," said Farrell, referring to the player's choice to sport different boots.
"In fact I thought that was fitting but apparently Mack just did that himself anyway. So he's attracted attention to himself before he's even begun.
"I said to him before the game, 'Excellent players require no justifications, they can perform and just play naturally, you can get the man of the match if you choose,' and he went, 'Yeah, I agree.'
"So he's that kind of player, he prepares thoroughly, he's has a excellent attitude to understand his preparation and so that's why he fitted straight into the team and he was capable to perform naturally because of that."
The player's performance also received commendation from the opposing manager, who stated he was the "exceptional Australian player" on the evening.
"I thought he was outstanding, his knowledge was evident to the front," said the former international manager.
"Unfortunately, Hansen was probably the best opposition performer on the field. He's has a great skillset and he's such a strong contender."
When asked about what enables Hansen a good fit at full-back, the coach continued: "Showing up in the center of the pitch is a trait that he demonstrates from the flank regardless, but I imagine he's more in position for that more often.
"The player's aerial work was brilliant, don't you think? I believed we persisted of executing the correct thing and that was placing the possession again on them to gain territory.
"The reason that was the right 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."
Beyond the star performer, there were numerous encouraging aspects for Farrell.
Sam Prendergast was excellent on his return to the number 10 jersey, the scrum and throw-in functioned smoothly and different teammate did not look uncomfortable in his first start in the forwards.
But perhaps more pleasing for Farrell was the team framing the game with multiple impressive periods.
The player's first two tries came in the first eleven minutes while other teammates registered in the final stages after the other team had crossed, guaranteeing the Irish team finished on a positive note.
"In my opinion we truly performed freely and approached the game right from the word go," said the coach.
"The way we handled various aspects throughout the game, particularly the opposition responding just before the break and regathering ourselves and giving a display like we achieved in the second half, I believed 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 next up for the team, in what might be considered as an informal conclusion to last year's drawn multiple match contest on rival soil.
Farrell's side will require to attain a higher level to beat the consecutive world champions, but Saturday's victory of the Wallabies was a significant advancement in the right direction after an uninspiring start to their fall campaign.
