Whilst it's a different colour than first expected, former Brumbies coach Dan McKellar has expressed his pride as the Wallabies prepare to face a familiar face in Mack Hansen.
Hansen has had a breakout year since making the move to Connacht, thrust into the national set-up after just nine games.
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The 24-year-old, who qualifies for Ireland via his mother, has thrived since his debut against Wales, nominated for World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year.
McKellar was still at the Brumbies when the winger told him of his plans to head overseas.
Having experienced his own stint in Ireland at a similar age, captain-coaching near Wicklow, the Wallabies assistant knew Hansen would thrive.
“He’s a good man, really loveable sort of character,” McKellar said on Hansen.
“It was sad to see him go. He left the Brumbies because he’s a Canberra boy, lived all his life there and wanted a new experience. I think if you asked Mack if he was going to play for Ireland six months into that experience he would’ve laughed.
“I remember the first time he came in and said he was going to Connacht and having spent time in Ireland, I knew he’d love it and they’d love him. He’s come over here and most importantly earned their respect with his performances. He’s earned that right and is in a good place so happy for him and hopefully we keep him quiet on Saturday.
“He’s always been that player that had the potential to kick on. You’re happy for the individual, disappointed he’s wearing green not gold.
"That was the career path he took, others have done similar, it’s pretty commonplace in International Rugby and he’s not the only guy in the Irish (or Australian) side with foreign heritage.”
The Wallabies enter Sunday's (AEDT) Test under plenty of pressure following last week's historic defeat to Italy.
This has led to criticism flooding in, with McKellar backing the side to bounce back against a red-hot Irish.
“We’re well aware (of the criticism), I don’t think I’ve ever been in a more disappointed sheds that Saturday afternoon,” McKellar revealed.
“In Florence, the players that played, the ones that didn’t and the staff were shattered. What I found when you coach at this level is when you lose, you feel like you let the country down and we certainly felt that.
“It’s something we have to review thoroughly but professional Rugby is you have to park it really quickly and move on because we’re about to come against what I consider the best team in the world on their turf in front of a sold-out stadium which will be a great experience.”
The former Brumbies boss also provided further context surrounding the call to rest a host of players.
“It’s a five-Test, tough tour that we’ve been asked to play in. We’re loving the experience but from a Rugby physical point of view, it takes its toll on the players at the end of a long year," he stated.
“It was always part of the plan to provide opportunity for every member of the group. The disappointing thing is the guys on Saturday didn’t get the job done.
“…A lot of players have played 30+ games this year so the plan to roll out the same Test team week after week would be irresponsible to a degree. Players just can’t handle that, the game is physically and mentally draining.
“The other side is how are we ever going to develop players? We could get to a World Cup next year and two weeks before the first game you could lose a (James) Slipper or (Nic) White and the players behind them haven’t had the experience and you then throw them under the bus in the most important time of the tournament.”
