An attendance estimated at 25,000 packed Carisbrook Ground in fine weather but with the ground on the heavy side. Brilliantly led by Bill Mumm, the visiting forwards, though heavily outweighted, gained a major share of the ball in the tight where they packed solidly, and in the loose, giving Otago no respite. Only in the lineout did Otago hold command, and then the frenzied attack of the Buller forwards would upset the opposing backs. Outclassed in the backs Buller defended well, and the result was a very fair decision on the day. The shield could easily have made its first journey to Westport. Within six minutes Otago had scored, Fitzgerald and McDonald broke through and when the latter lost the ball, McKenzie booted the ball over the line, chased it and touched down. 3-0. Ten minutes later Bell kicked a penalty goal. 6-0. After thirty minutes the Buller forwards worked to the line where Cunniffe forced his way across. 6-3. A short kick had Otago bustled, and G. Smallholme started a passing movement which reached the winger, Hawes, who crossed for a good try, the score being 6-6 at halftime. First Buller and at the end, Otago, put up strong efforts to win the game, but no further scoring took place.

Otago: G. I. T. Moore (capt.); R. H. Bell, C. J. McDonald, N. M.McKenzie; J. T. Fitzgerald, R. F. Waldron; L. S. Woodhouse; K. J.O’Connor, E. J. Muir, W. A. Lunn, J. C. Pilling, A. E. Hellyer, C. M.Garden, J. I. McKnight, H. W. Wilson. In the first spell W. I. Perriam took Fitzgerald’s place.

Buller: F. I. Neighbours; T. M. Hansby, R. P. Hawes, A. Cummings; O. Smallholme (capt.), W. Dickson; G. Smallholme; J. G. Stuart, M. J.Ryan, D. S. Neighbours, J. C. Beveridge, G. Anderson, W. I. Mumm, R. Dickson, W. M. Cunniffe.
The referee was Mr L. Walsh of Christchurch.

Waldron had previously represented Southland in 1946.

Bill Mumm later represented New Zealand against Australia, and together with “Toby” Anderson and William Dickson played for South Island at the end of the season.