Jack Conan believes Ireland's record win over Australia is a "brilliant launchpad" for a shot at toppling back-to-back world champions South Africa.
Andy Farrell’s men warmed up for a mouth-watering autumn finale against the Springboks with a 46-19 victory over the Wallabies on Saturday evening in Dublin.
Mack Hansen claimed a hat-trick against his native country before second-half scores from Caelan Doris, Ryan Baird and Robbie Henshaw capped Ireland’s most convincing display of this international window.
"It was unbelievably enjoyable; to be at home putting in a good performance, Saturday night, atmosphere was unreal," said Conan.
"We had some really good moments, some unbelievable bits of play, like that last 20, 30 minutes was brilliant from the lads.
"It was a real stepping stone, the best performance we’ve had in the last few weeks, so the lads are happy and it’s a brilliant launchpad for next week.
"To be out there winning in a green jersey, it doesn’t get any better."
Despite the first-half treble from Canberra-born Hansen – who started at full-back for the first time at Test level on his return from a foot injury – Ireland led just 19-14 at the break against a side beaten by Italy a week earlier.
"I thought we showed a bit of grit"
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Ireland head coach Andy Farrell talks victory, Mack Hansen's performance, the pros and cons from tonight and building towards the Springboks#IREvAUS
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The hosts eventually pulled clear courtesy of three scores in the closing stages of the second period.
Amid suggestions the team was in decline, 2024 Six Nations champions Ireland began the month with a dispiriting 26-13 defeat to New Zealand in Chicago before registering a disjointed 41-10 success over Japan at the Aviva Stadium.
"You always want to be playing well but the reality of international rugby is it can’t always go your way," said Conan.
"There’s been bits over the last few weeks that have gone really well for us and then bits that we haven’t been happy with.
"They (Australia) didn’t have to spend a lot of energy to get two scores (in the first half), so that was a bit disappointing.
"But you’re not playing against mugs. You’re playing against good players and teams that are unbelievably motivated and want to go well, especially off the back of a loss last week."
Upcoming opponents South Africa have won 21 of 25 matches since retaining the Webb Ellis Cup in 2023.
The Springboks claimed a second-successive Rugby Championship title at the start of October before recording autumn victories over Japan, France and Italy.
Yet Ireland have won four of the past five meetings between the sides, including a pool-stage victory at the last World Cup and a 1-1 series draw in the summer of 2024 - a tour Conan missed out on.
Conan said: "They’re a good team, aren’t they? You see what they’re doing with the bench and how they apply their forwards.
"They’re changing the game and it’s great to see. It’s innovation, it’s interesting, it’s getting eyeballs on the game and they’re going really well.
"They’re an unbelievably physical side and deserve to be the best in the world, so it’ll be a huge challenge for us.
"But we love a challenge. We love having to be better and grow bigger."
