Oz butchers a cut above

AUSTRALIAN butchers have placed third-best in the world.

Ireland won the World Butchers’ Challenge ahead of New Zealand and Australia in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Australian Steelers skipper Adam Stratton was chosen in the six-person best-of-the-best team from 12 nations.

Teams had three hours to turn a side of beef, a side of pork, a whole lamb and five chickens into a themed display of valueadded cuts. The Aussies had the best health and safety, and also won best pork sausage and best gourmet sausage.