New Zealand’s top five butchers are preparing for the rematch they’ve waited 12 months for.

The Wedderburn Sharp Blacks are seeking redemption after a narrow loss to Australia in the inaugural Trans Tasman Test Match last year.

Retail Meat New Zealand Manager, Fiona Greig, says the team is rearing to go after being beaten last year.

“The team is already hard at work preparing for the test match. They were gutted after last year’s loss and can’t wait to get the trophy back,” says Greig.

The next outing for the team will be a warm up at the Retail Meat New Zealand conference in March, where their peers from around the country will offer critique and ideas, before the test match in Melbourne versus the Australian team.

This year, Wedderburn are also backing the team. Wedderburn marketing manager – Australasia, Brenda Davenport says, “We are proud of our growing association with Retail Meat New Zealand, and grateful for the opportunity to sponsor this skilled team of butchers.

“Not only does it provide us the chance to support an industry we hold in high regard, but it also allows butchers hands on experience of our full range of meat processing equipment.  Go the Wedderburn Sharp Blacks!”

The team, also supported by Beef + Lamb New Zealand Inc, is made up of:

• Peter Martin, Mad Butcher Onehunga, Auckland;
• Calum Sutherland, West End New World, Rotorua;
• Bruce van der Nett, Henderson Pak n Save, Auckland;
• Marcus Waldman, Mad Butcher Palmerston North; and
• Corey Winder, Ashby’s Butchery, Christchurch.