Donal Lenihan: The man with different boots colouring Ireland's autumn

SELFIE SMILES: Hat-trick man Mack Hansen after Ireland's comprehensive test win over Australia at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Now that’s more like it. No wonder Andy Farrell wore a broad smile at the final whistle as the Ireland team we had become accustomed to over the last few seasons re-emerged from the autumnal fog after a worrying hiatus.

After a frustrating opening two games in this Quilter Nations Series that raised more questions than answers, Ireland finally found their mojo and produced a performance more in keeping with the quality and attacking strengths of this squad, addressing many of the shortcomings that had held them back in recent weeks.

The litmus test comes next Saturday when back-to-back World Cup holders South Africa come to town on the back of their latest victory over an ever improving Italian side achieved, for the second week in a row, after having a second row sent off.

This time it was Franco Mostert who saw red as early as the 11th minute. To win with what in effect was a Springbok second side, having to play with 14 men for 69 minutes of an excellent contest, offered yet another insight into the magnitude of the challenge Ireland face. At least they do so with confidence restored and a feel good factor after putting a strong if somewhat stuttering and disappointing Australian side to the sword from the outset.

No better way to lift the mood and get a willing crowd behind you than by opening up with two excellent tries, superbly finished by the sublime Mack Hansen, who delivered a master class on his first outing at full back on his 28th cap.

Always a free spirit, playing on this occasion with two different boots, Hansen lifted the mood of all around him with a brace of tries in the opening 10 minutes and a hat trick by the end of the first quarter. No wonder he was greeted to a standing ovation when departing the scene with 10 minutes to go. What an inspirational return to arms, exactly what Ireland needed.

The Connacht man would be first to admit that both early tries were superbly crafted team efforts, finished off from set plays in the Wallaby twenty two which helped calm nerves on and off the field.

The fact that, to this point in a month of feverish action, Ireland’s conversion rate in the attacking red zone had been really poor, the worst in the series averaging just over one point per visit - South Africa’s return is over four points - was really satisfying.

Given how important the aerial battle has become with escorting - that is obstructing the running line of the kick chaser and his ability to compete in the air - now outlawed this aspect of the game has become increasingly more influential.

In the last two outings, Ireland’s kicks have often been too deep to be effective. This time out, Sam Prendergast delivered a master class with a brilliant variety of high hanging bombs and cross field kick passes that had the Wallaby back three in disarray.

Australian full back Max Jorgensen, clearly more a home on the wing, had an absolute nightmare under the high ball, cruelly exposed by accuracy of Prendergast’s kicks and Hanson’s capacity to hang in the air like an Aussie Rules player to reclaim possession.

Add in his confidence boosting solidity under multiple Wallaby kicks and Hansen’s selection as player of the match was a foregone conclusion well in advance of the final whistle.

As if things weren’t bad enough, Australia must be scratching their heads as to how they left him go from the Brumbies. Thankfully his mother, Diana O Shea’s, Cork roots proved too strong for Hansen to ignore.

Up front the most pleasing aspect, line out apart, was the performance of Paddy McCarthy on his first ever international start which justified his elevation at loose head prop ahead of the highly experienced Andrew Porter.

McCarty delivered a rock solid scrummaging display against a decent Wallaby front row coupled with an impressive shift around the field. Remember this guy is only 22 years of age, performing in one of the most physically demanding positions in the game. That said, he may have to settle for a bench role next week as Ireland prepares to face the might of a dominant Springbok scrum.

In recent times, more column inches have been dedicated to the issues surrounding Ireland’s line out with every hack having an opinion on how to address the problem. The only way to counter the chatter is on the field and a 100% return from 10 deliveries in advance of the South African game could not have been better timed.

Ireland also managed to pilfer six Wallaby throws, three from Ryan Baird, that frustrated Australia given they were poached in prime attacking positions. Baird has enjoyed an excellent series to date, probably Ireland’s most consistent performer.

By all accounts, Farrell’s calm and relaxed demeanour in front of the media this week has been in marked contrast to his approach behind doors. To put it mildly, he’s been very disappointed with Ireland’s sub par showings and made that abundantly clear.

Coming into this game he set down clear objectives. Forget about the line out where he was happy that those recurring problems would eventually sort themselves out. Instead he placed the emphasis on winning the physical battle, on dominating the collisions and the battle for metres after contact in tandem with creating quick ball at the breakdown.

Fair to say Ireland delivered on all those fronts with captain Caelan Doris a key figure in enabling Ireland to start on the front foot with some powerful carries in a stunning opening quarter bearing all the hallmarks of this team at its very best.

Deteriorating weather conditions and a blustery wind contributed to a less than inspiring middle third of action with both side resorting to kicking the ball relentlessly. In the circumstances, who could blame them Perhaps the aspect that will please Farrell most was the ruthless manner with which Ireland finished the game, responding to a late Wallaby try courtesy of replacement hooker Billy Pollard on the 73rd minute with two of their own before the conclusion from Baird and Robbie Henshaw to cement Ireland’s greatest ever winning margin over Australia.

While considerable scope for improvement remains, at least Ireland head into the most demanding contest of the month with spirits high and confidence renewed.