As kicker, the spotlight shone on fullback Holmes throughout the 80 minutes.
She had hearts in mouths every time she got the ball as the Black Ferns, choosing not to kick the ball, launched attack after attack from all parts of the park.
Holmes was an integral part as she was usually ball receiver from England's kicks.
She ran her lines beautifully, was always in support and passed with pinpoint accuracy including the last pass that ran in centre Stacey Fluhler for one of the greatest tries in Cup history.
It wasn't a flawless performance but that's what happens when you play high-risk rugby.
Ferns fans were on the edge of their seats as Holmes came agonisingly close to so many of her kicking attempts — albeit none of them easy ones. She got two conversions and those four points were to prove vital.
Holmes' personality has shone during this campaign and once again she endeared herself to the public in one of her interviews.
“I love this team; I love this country. Thank you Aotearoa.”
Laurie Holmes had the best view in the house of the New Zealand rugby result of the year.
“The atmosphere was crazy — better than any big test I've ever been at, with the crowd involvement . . . and Ruby (Black Ferns winger Ruby Tui) even got us all singing at the end of the game,” Laurie said.
“Rugby's more than just a game. Our country got a boost after Covid-19. It was special to be amongst it. There's no better way to inspire our kids than to win at home.
“For Renee it was a dream come true — to play in a world cup final for New Zealand, win against the odds. She's done the hard yards and knows it was all worth it.
“She'll have to set new goals now . . . another dream to achieve.”
Laurie said they remained at Eden Park until 12am . . . “they wanted to turn the lights out”.
He also said that Renee and Charmaine “will bring ‘Nancy' home to Gisborne in the next few weeks”.
“Nancy” is the name given to the world cup by the Black Ferns in honour of World War 2 hero Nancy Wake, who inspired the 2017 cup-winning Ferns team.
Laurie also paid tribute to New Zealand coach Wayne Smith.
“Smithy was brilliant with the girls.”
Outgoing coach Smith, arguably more animated in this campaign than at any time of his tenure with the All Blacks, summed it up in an emotional TV interview.
“It's only been six or seven months but I've got to know them,” he said.
“They've taught me how to dance, how to sing, how to cry, how to laugh on match day.
“They've changed my life and while I'm finishing up, I'm going to be following them for the rest of their careers.”
