Star center Stacey Fluhler has revealed the key to the Black Ferns' success following their epic World Cup run last year.

The Black Ferns captured the hearts of a nation, as they dared to dream of a once seemingly unlikely World Cup triumph in front of their home supporters.

New Zealand had lost two tests against both England and France during their end-of-season tour the year before. They were beaten by emphatic margins in all four matches.

World No. 1 England was the heavy favorite going into the tournament, while France appeared to pose the biggest threat to the Red Roses World Cup dreams.

But don't forget about the hosts.

Under the tutelage of super coach Wayne Smith, who had won two men's World Cups as an assistant coach with the All Blacks, the Black Ferns turned their form around in a big way.

The Black Ferns beat France in a thrilling semifinal at Eden Park, before recording an epic upset win over the Red Roses in the decider a week later.

New Zealand was the champion of the women's rugby world for a sixth time and was more than deserving of that moniker.

🙌🏽 YES! The Sky Fan’s Try of the Year is Stacey Fluhler in the #RWC2021 final! #ASBRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/N53kOwAESw

— Black Ferns (@BlackFerns) December 8, 2022

Speaking with British rugby magazine Rugby World, Stace Fluhler spoke about how important it was for the Black Ferns to get to know each other better off the field.

"We're here for rugby, but we're also here to enjoy each other's company and have a good time. (So) get that right, the rugby comes naturally," Fluhler told Rugby World, as reported by the All Blacks website. 

"What made our World Cup win so special was that we had a very new team. I loved that stat about our whole starting pack having fewer caps than Sarah Hunter!

"Having a young, eager team who were keen to learn changed things.

"We obviously had experienced players there to help guide the team and share stuff from the past, but it was quite cool to have that change and be able to adapt to Smithy's coaching."

Smith was appointed as a technical coach in April but later was named the head coach of the Black Ferns after Glenn Moore resigned.

Smith, who already was widely considered one of the greatest rugby minds in New Zealand rugby history, was able to add to his legacy after a decorated stint with the team.

The Black Ferns may have made this coaching change about six months out from the World Cup, but as Fluhler discussed, "trusting that it will all work out" played a key role in their success.

🙏🏽 This is for you Aotearoa! The Black Ferns are the adidas New Zealand Team of the Year. 🖤🤍#ASBRugbyAwards pic.twitter.com/sEFgKxb3yC

— Black Ferns (@BlackFerns) December 8, 2022

"And, no matter how much time you have, if you have a good plan, and you have a good vision, and everyone is into it, you can still be successful," Fluhler added.

"We had a blank canvas. Smithy knew nothing about us, absolutely nothing.

"He'd never really watched women's rugby - and he admitted that to us. But we had a lot of talks. Not just about technical and tactical rugby analysis but about life in general. That was crucial to him adapting his training style to us.

"So, for any team in the same boat, changing coach late, it's about having the right process, the right people and just trusting that it will all work out."

More women's rugby is right around the corner in New Zealand, with Super Rugby Aupiki set to kick off in late February.

Hurricanes Poua will host Chiefs Manawa at Levin Domain in the season opener Feb. 25.

Matatu also will play Blues Women at Forsyth Barr Stadium on the same day.