AUCKLAND : Wayne Smith said he would be heading back into retirement after transforming the Black Ferns from a side humbled in Europe at the end of last year into world champions again on Saturday.
Staying true to the adventurous high-tempo style Smith introduced, New Zealand beat an England side who had thrashed them twice last year to clinch a sixth world crown.
The former All Blacks assistant coach, who masterminded two World Cup triumphs with the men's side, said the experience had been one of the best of his life."Even if we hadn't won today, it would have been worth it," he said. "They're wonderful women.
They've had to struggle to get here - a lot of them work. We're professionalising the game, I think it's going to be a great game. "I'm so proud of this team.