Butchery rivals go knife to knife

By Aaron McDonald

- Last updated on GMT

World Butchers' Challenge 2018 is set to be the biggest event yet
World Butchers' Challenge 2018 is set to be the biggest event yet

Related tags New zealand Beef Lamb Pork Poultry

Ahead of the World Butchers’ Challenge next year, the Australian and New Zealand national teams are sharpening their knives as they prepare to go head to head in the Trans-Tasman Test Match. 

The challenge will see The Pure South Sharp Blacks pitted against the Australian Steelers on Friday, 19 May, at Mac’s Function Centre in Wellington, New Zealand.

The two teams will be given two hours to turn a selection of beef, pork and lamb cuts into value-added products, displayed in a way similar to what you would find in a butcher’s shop.

The Pure South Sharp Blacks’ captain, Corey Winder, explained that the competition would allow his team, including three newcomers, to gain experience before the big international competition next year. “Their [Australia’s] side is hugely talented and I know they would love nothing more than to start their world campaign with a win against the Kiwis,​” he commented.

National pride

But I have the same idea – this is my seventh time captaining the team and it’s the hungriest I’ve ever been for a win. I know we have the talent, outlook and support to do our country proud.​”

Adam Stratton, Australian Steelers’ team captain told GlobalMeatNews​ that his team was determined to secure a win in 2017. “We came so close to the big title last year, so we’re even more determined to take home a win this time round,” he explained. “We’ve certainly got the talent in the team to make it happen – I’ve got high hopes for the Australian Steelers.​”

Following on from the Trans-Tasman Test Match, the World Butchers’ Challenge 2018​ will be the biggest yet. On 21 March 2018 in Belfast, Ireland, teams from Bulgaria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain, South Africa and the USA, alongside Australia and New Zealand, will go head to head in a battle to be crowned the best butchers in the world. France won the 2016 World Butchers’ Challenge in its competition debut.

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