I’d say it came from Noeline making the right decisions and playing players in their actual position.
Also a major reason is Briony Akles influence. Sounds like she’s instilled the aussies mindset into the ferns; physical, confident, mongrel, and not being so humble all the time.
I’d still prefer Toeava in the 12 over O’Brien, Souness and Buchannan. But in saying that, she needs to get fit.