Ireland 46-19 Australia: Conor Murray on McHansen’s ‘world-class ability’

Former halfback Conor Murray said McHansen has “world class ability” after a first-half hat-trick in Ireland’s 46-19 win over Australia on Saturday.

Hansen, who was starting for Ireland at full-back for the first time, impressed on his return from a foot injury with three tries in the first 30 minutes as Ireland recorded a record win over Australia.

Speaking on the Irish Rugby Social podcast, Murray praised Canberra-born Hansen for his impact on and off the field for Andy Farrell’s side.

“The team has missed him because he has a big personality. Whatever he brings to the team, he makes people feel really happy,” Murray explained.

“He brings fun, he brings a relaxed atmosphere, and then he brings this world-class ability to play rugby.

“His attempts look easy, especially the first two, but I’m sure, when I watch them, he was talking to Sam [Prendergast] Or Bondi [Aki]Or someone who tries to be on his shoulder to relate to him.

“He’s been talking to them and that’s why he went from being injured to not playing a lot of rugby to starting at left-back for Ireland because Andy trusts him, that he will come in and connect and he can finish those runs.”