A Mosgiel butcher helped the New Zealand national butchery team - the Sharp Blacks - retain the tri-nations championship with a falafel burger.
New World Mosgiel butcher Greg Egerton said he enjoyed beating Australia and the United States in a butchers' challenge in Auckland on Thursday.
''It's been unreal.''
For the competition, the six butchers in the competing teams turned a side of beef, pork and a whole lamb into 76 value-added cuts within three hours.
The test match was the first time Mr Egerton (38) had worn the Sharp Black jersey.
Besides Mr Egerton, the squad included Abigail Lane, of Queenstown, Phill Pirie, of Auckland, Matthew Spires, of Te Awamutu, and Bruce van der Net, of Taupo.
The team captain was Corey Winder, of Christchurch, who was raised in Cromwell, Mr Egerton said.
The victory was the team's third consecutive win in the competition.
''The guys wanted it really bad. We felt a lot of pressure to win on our home soil.''
During the competition, Mr Egerton said he made a burger, which included buns made from lamb mince and a patty made from falafel.
''I was really pushing the boundaries - the use of a meat alternative hasn't been done before.''
The burger included tomato, beetroot, spinach, pancetta bacon and Parmesan cheese.
The tri-nations would be held in Australia next year and he hoped to retain his place in the squad.
''I gave it everything on the night and I'd like to think I've got a good shot next year.''
