Wallabies coach Dan McKellar: Mack Hansen one that got away

Dan McKellar comes up against his former Brumbies colleague Mack Hansen on Saturday and admits the Ireland wing is one that got away from Australia.

Hansen faces the country of his birth for the first time on Saturday, chasing a third try in as many games as Ireland look to end their autumn with a record-equalling 12th home victory.

McKellar handed Hansen his Brumbies debut in 2019 and started him in all eight Super Rugby AU regular season matches last year, but didn't stand in his way when he decided to swap his native Canberra for Galway.

"He’s a good mate, a good man, a really lovable sort of character," said McKellar, who in May ended his five-year stint as Brumbies boss to become forwards coach of Australia.

"I remember the first time he came in to see me and said he was going to Connacht. Having spent time in Ireland myself, I knew he would love Ireland and that the Irish would love him.

"He has come over here and importantly, he has earned their respect through his performances. He has really kicked on.

"He is a different type of player to probably what the Irish are used to. The first time I saw Mack he was a 17-year-old out of school and you could just tell he was a natural footballer. That’s what he provides the Irish team.

"He is a winger but he gets in at first receiver, he distributes and will often throw a pass that creates a line break or is a try assist. And he will score them as well.

"I was sad to see him go. He left Canberra and the Brumbies because he is a Canberra boy and lived there all his life. He wanted a new life experience. If you asked Mack if he was going to play for Ireland six to 12 months into that experience, he probably would have laughed. He has earned that right and is in a good place."

Hansen