Mack Hansen says Andy Farrell inspired his stunning Ireland Test debut

Ireland newcomer Mack Hansen says words of wisdom from head coach Andy Farrell inspired an unforgettable Test debut after initially suspecting his selection may be a wind-up.

Australia-born Hansen was thrust into Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations opener against defending champions Wales and responded with a man-of-the-match display in a crushing 29-7 win.

The 23-year-old teed up fellow Connacht man Bundee Aki for the early opening try in Dublin and did not look back as he remained a constant threat on the left flank.

Hansen, whose mother hails from Cork, originally learnt of his place in the team from Aki but was not entirely convinced his team-mate’s information was genuine.

“Bundee told me I was in the squad but I hadn’t heard anything or seen an email, so I didn’t know if he was taking the p*** or not,” said Hansen. “It was a bit hard to believe him.

“When the sheet came up and it had my name up, I was just stoked, absolutely stoked to be involved with this team and it was great.

“To get my first Ireland cap is something I will remember for ever and ever.

“I’m trying to breathe it all in. I’m feeling pretty amazing, to be honest.”

Speaking of advice received from Farrell, Hansen added: “He said: ‘if you can’t be yourself, there’s no point putting on the jersey’.

“When Andy says something like that it sticks with you. Just go out there and enjoy yourself, that’s all you do at the end of the day.”

Dominant Ireland cruised to victory over the depleted Welsh, with Andrew Conway’s second-half brace and a solo score from Garry Ringrose sealing a deserved bonus-point victory.

Hansen’s elevation to international level came on the back of some scintillating displays at provincial level since moving to Galway from Canberra-based