| Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin Date: Saturday, 19 November Kick-off: 20:00 GMT |
| Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Sounds and BBC Sounds. Live text commentary and match reports on the BBC Sport website. |
Mack Hansen believes that switching allegiances from Australia to Ireland was his best career decision and the best life decision as he prepares for his return to his homeland.
Hansen, a Canberra-born winger, is all set to take on the Wallabies at Saturday’s autumn Test in Dublin.
Since his debut in Australia’s Under-20 team, the former player has been a huge hit for Ireland.
Hansen, 24 said that “since I made my decision there’ve been no thoughts about backtracking at any point.”
“I am very content where I am. You could imagine what it would have been like to be with anything. The decision to play for Ireland was the best decision of my career, and life.
“I love it over there and enjoy it. It’s still great to hear from your peers back home. However, I have never felt upset or even thought of ?’.”.
Hansen, whose mother Diana was born in Cork joined Connacht from Brumbies before the 2021-22 season. After earning his first cap against Wales, Hansen has seamlessly adapted to international rugby.
He scored three tries in eight appearances with Andy Farrell’s side. This includes scores in the autumn Test win over South Africa, Fiji and world champions South Africa. this week nominated World Rugby’s breakthrough Player Award.
Hansen will likely start against a Wallabies team looking to rebound from last weekend’s defeat. shock defeat by Italy He says that he enjoys the opportunity to exchange taunts at the Aviva Stadium with the Australian players.
Hansen laughed, “Whitey (Nic White),” joked Hansen.
“That’s the essence of the game. It’s all about having fun on the field, then being able afterwards to laugh about it and to be able enjoy a quiet beer.
“I’m looking forward. It’s going really well. I have never played these games before, and most of them are my good friends. It will be an amazing experience.
Hansen claims that moving to Galway was not like “coming into a new place at all”, but he admits that he will be better acquainted with the opposition national anthem Saturday. This prompts him to appeal to TV crews who are working at the game.
“I guess it is just something I will have to experience when that happens.” He said he wasn’t sure when asked how he feels during the anthems.
“I’m still trying the Irish one. I sing right from the beginning and then fade away at the very end.
“If you are a cameraman, take a video of me when I am singing the whole thing.
“He stopped looking at me for about 10 minutes, and I didn’t realize it until the end.”
