Southland beat Australia 1962 - 16-11.....

In contrast to the 1958 side, Southland were having an average season and had only won four games.  Rugby Park was very heavy on 11 September 1962 with a crowd of 10,600.

B.J. Cullen who was dominant in Southland's game against Australia.

Australia opened brightly with their backline looking sharp and after leading 8-3 at half-time looked a winning combination but a fight back by the inspired Maroons in the second half ensured victory with the visitors appeared to tire in the heavy going.
The Southland backs gave a magnificient defensive display with Barry Cullen being the star, although Kevin Laidlaw ran him close with fierce ball and all tackling crippling the Wallaby attacks in mid-field.  Graeme Townsend put up with some determined tackles on his opposite when it looked like they were going to score.
The packs were evenly matched and although the Maroons conceded the lineouts 23-7 they took their fair share of rucks and mauls and Greig Spencer took the tighthead count 4-2.  Ack Soper was the pick of the forwards and B. R. Hamilton , Ken Borland and Jack Hazlett battled admirably against much taller and heavier opponents.
The Australian's lineout technique was interesting as they tapped the ball all day sparing their tall and heavy forward comitting themselves to the rucks.
The Thornett brothers and Rod Heming were the Australian stars in a side which contained eight second test personel.
The Australians said after the game that the Maroons were the best pack they had struck on tour in ten games.  The rucking and quick heels from scrummages were an eye-opener to the tourists and from a spectator's point ws the best game up till that stage of the New Zealand tour.
SOUTHLAND: A.J. Soper (1) G. Townsend (1) Barry Cullen (1) (2 Con) (1PG)
AUSTRALIA: J. Boyce (1) K. Walsham (1) K. McMullen (1) S. Spencer (1 Con)

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