Mack Hansen can put salt in the Wallabies wounds this week after being nominated for a World Rugby prize

The one that got away. The one the Wallabies would love to have on their side this week. The one that has been nominated as the World Rugby breakthrough player of the year.

Australian rugby fans should be celebrating Hansen's rise to the international ranks and his nomination. Instead, they sunk back into their chairs knowing a Canberra rugby prodigy will be playing for Ireland this weekend, and could deliver the knockout blow to the Wallabies.

Hansen continued his remarkable transformation since leaving the capital with Rugby Australia's blessing just 18 months ago.

Back then he was struggling to get ACT Brumbies game time and was not even a blip on the Wallabies selection radar, but his move to the other side of the world made everyone sit up and take notice.

His World Rugby awards nomination is salt in the wounds for Wallabies and their fans, who are teetering on the edge of disaster after losing to Italy last week.

Asked if he was the one that got away, McKellar said: "I think so. He's always been that player that had the potential to kick on.

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"You're happy for the individual, you're disappointed he's wearing green this weekend and not gold. That was the career path he took."

The Wallabies will be desperate for victory against the newly-minted No. 1 ranked side in the world this week.

Pressure is mounting after a shock loss to Italy, which has raised serious concerns for the Australian side with less than a year to go before the start of the World Cup.

In comparison, Hansen is living the good life. He made his Test debut this year, has signed an extension with Connacht until 2025 and has cemented his place in Ireland's starting XV.

Those who watched him as a youngster in Canberra aren't surprised. He was earmarked for greatness from the moment he made his John I Dent Cup debut as a teenager four years ago, displaying the same silky skills of Stephen Larkham.

But he couldn't get regular game time at Super Rugby level and after dreaming of playing for the Wallabies and Brumbies, Connacht came knocking with an offer that would change his life.

"I think he's probably surprised a few people here," Larkham said.

"He's gone over there and he's played exceptional footy for Connacht, then hit the ground running with the national team. He's been a sensation at an international level."

He qualifies to play for Ireland via his mother and within six months of being overseas, Ireland invited him into the Test squad for training.

Rugby Australia frantically launched a last-ditch attempt to get him to commit to a Wallabies future, with Larkham even having a quiet word while he was coaching in Ireland.

But it was too late. "He's a good mate. A good man, a really lovable sort of character," McKellar grins.

"I knew that he would love Ireland and that Ireland would love him. He's come over here and importantly, he's earnt their respect through his performances. He's really kicked on ... he's a different type of player than what the Irish are used to.

"The first time I saw Mack, he was a 17-year-old out of school and you could just tell that he was a natural footballer.

"That's what he provides the Irish team. It was sad to see him go. He left Canberra and the Brumbies because he's a Canberra boy, has lived there all his life and wanted a new life experience.

"I think if you asked Mack if he was going to be playing for Ireland six months into that experience, he probably would have laughed. But he's earnt that right and he's in a good place. Happy for him, but hopefully we keep him quiet."

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