Andy Farrell would have been pleased with many aspects of Ireland's Six Nations victory over Wales last weekend, but few would have been more satisfying than the performance of Mack Hansen.
A few eyebrows were raised when the Connacht winger was handed his test debut in the game. However, he more than repaid the faith shown in him by the Ireland coach.
Hansen was electric right from the start of the game, playing a major role in the opening try after a couple of minutes. That was only the start, with the Aussie born winger putting in a brilliant display on his way to claiming man-of-the-match honours.
It was quite the occasion for the 23-year old, who only arrived in Ireland last year and qualifies to play for the country through his mother. He proclaimed how proud he was to be Irish after the final whistle, although the size of his achievement had not quite sunk in at that point.
Mack Hansen was in shock after Six Nations debut
Speaking to Virgin Media ahead of this weekend's game against France, Mack Hansen revealed he could hardly speak during a phone call to his parent after the match. In fact, he was more concentrated on fulfilling the tradition of having to sing an initiation song later that evening.
"Called my parents 20 minutes after the game. They were asking me all these questions, I didn't even realise I wasn't talking back. I was in absolute shock.
"Nailed the initiation song. Sweet Caroline!"
Mack Hansen on Saturday night. 🎶😅#FRAvIRE #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/kyxD4SXthw— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 10, 2022
It has sunk in now. It was tough to get my head around for sure.
I called my parents around 20 minutes after the game. They were asking me all these questions and I didn't even realise that I pretty much wasn't talking back to them at all, I was in absolute shock.
It's a different week now and a different beast in France. I kind of had to switch my mindset pretty quick...
Heaps of emotion. They were so happy for me, as all parents would be. My mind was all over the shop mate, I was probably more focused on picking a good song to sing later on.
That was probably one of the most nerve wracking bits of the night, having to get up and sing in front of everyone...
I nailed all of them, as was expected. I san Sweet Caroline. That is my go to whenever I have to get up and sing, whether it's at a pub or for an initiation. That's my go to song.
Hansen has been named to start once again in Paris, where he will be hoping to replicate the performance he produced against the Welsh.
At least he won't have to worry about signing after the game on this occasion.
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