The perfect start to his Ireland career.
Mack Hansen didn’t take long to make his presence felt on his Ireland debut.
The 23-year-old, who only moved to Ireland from his native Australia seven months ago, played a key role in giving Andy Farrell’s team the lead in their Six Nations opener against Wales at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
The Connacht winger helped pin the away side back before setting up Bundee Aki for a try with a perfectly timed pass.
Mack Hansen makes instant impact on Ireland debut.
Hansen immediately stamped his mark on test rugby. The Ireland debutant collected the ball, sprinted past the Wales line and set off down the wing. Hansen then tried to chip it over an opponent, and Ireland gained a line out.
What a first touch for winger Mack Hansen in Test rugby #IREvWAL #rtesport
📱 Live updates – https://t.co/AUQCX8pxw0
📻 Listen – https://t.co/wUq1XxhF4x
📺 Watch – https://t.co/sDDUomkeEU pic.twitter.com/ctAA8GW75w— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) February 5, 2022
In the next passage of play, Johnny Sexton found Hansen again.
The winger lofted a wonderful pass to Aki in acres of space, and he crossed over for a try. Sexton converted his conversion to give Ireland a 7-0 lead.
Ireland’s Six Nations campaign was up and running and the Connacht winger played a massive role in giving Farrell’s team the lead.
TRY IRELAND – What a start to the game as Bundee Aki crosses for an early try#IREvWAL #rtesport
📱 Live updates – https://t.co/AUQCX8pxw0
📻 Listen – https://t.co/wUq1XxhF4x
📺 Watch – https://t.co/sDDUomkeEU pic.twitter.com/xDWaaZZyiX— RTÉ Rugby (@RTErugby) February 5, 2022
Mack Hansen sets up try on Ireland debut.
Hansen was born in Australia and grew up in the country. He qualifies to play for Ireland through his Irish mother, who was born in Cork.
He joined Connacht from Canberra ahead of the current season. He has also played for Brumbies in the Super League and represented Australia at Under-20 level.
Hansen’s exploits in the game against Wales caught the eye of Australian legend Matt Giteau, who praised the winger after he played a vital role in Ireland opening the scoring against Wales.
Mack Hansen 🔥🔥
So good seeing him playing test rugby#6nations #IREvWAL
— Matt Giteau 🇦🇺 (@giteau_rugby) February 5, 2022
Meanwhile, New Zealand legend Sonny Bill Williams was at the game in Dublin and was surely impressed with Hansen’s contribution.
🇮🇪🏴🏉❤️ who you got? pic.twitter.com/5zzl0aMJu8
— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) February 5, 2022
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