Hansen: Ireland's style gives us licence to attack

Seven caps, two tries, a Triple Crown, a series win against New Zealand, and now a victory against the world champions South Africa.

It's only a year ago that Mack Hansen was called in to train with Ireland for a week off the back of his good start to the season with Connacht, but he already feels like an established Test player.

The scrum-cap and the long hair and the tattoos make him instantly identifiable on the pitch, and they're befitting a man who plays the game with such a free spirit.

Without neglecting the basics, Hansen's become known for his weaving, slippery style of rugby, drifting in off his wing at will, just as he did in the build-up to Ireland's opening try, connecting with Jamison Gibson-Park in midfield before the penalty which Ireland went on to score from.

Just a few minutes later he got on the scoresheet himself, diving over for his second Test try, and first at the Aviva Stadium, after a brilliant counter attacking move.

"I've got 11 or 14 on my back, but I've got a licence to roam and try and fit in where I can," he says of his role in the side.

"I think the more that us wings are getting involved and coming off the wing, the more it's going to help create extra numbers.

"Faz [Andy Farrell] and all the coaching staff, Catty [Mike Catt], Si [Simon Eaasterby], even Paulie [Paul O'Connell] and Fogs [Denis Fogarty], who don't have too much to do with us, you know, they're always encouraging you just to express yourself and play your game.

"That's exactly what you want to hear when you're running up the pitch."

Few signings in Irish rugby have been as instant a hit as Hansen at Connacht, and the 24-year-old seems just as popular amongst fans of the national team as he is for his province.

But he says the