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New Zealand has taken its Trans-Tasman rivalry with Australia to a whole new level by invoking the famous 1981 underarm bowling incident to throw some serious shade on Chris the sheep's world record-shattering shear. Mike Lindsay, owner of the current Guinness World Record titleholder Big Ben, told stuff.co.nz he was wary that Aussies were trying to fleece the land of the long white cloud of an accolade that's rightfully theirs. The Omahau Hill station farmer joked the estimate could be a repeat of the 1981 underarm bowling incident, but admitted "they have got some bloody big sheep over there". The station's number three shepherd, Bridget Newlands, was not convinced either. "An estimate isn't as good as a world record," she said. She said Mr Lindsay went through "a huge palaver" to secure the world record, receiving final confirmation of Big Ben's record months after a charity shearing event. But national shearing champion Ian Elkins, who relieved Chris the sheep of 40.45 kilograms of fleece, reckoned the record could withstand a bit of ribbing from his Kiwi rivals. "The record should hold. The fleece isn't going anywhere, we've got before and after shots and video. It's indisputable," he said., Meanwhile RSPCA ACT is making the most of Chris the sheep's notoriety. They've created a 'Chris the sheep supporter page' to raise funds for the organisation. People who donate $50 or more within Australia and $100 or more internationally will receive an official 'Chris the sheep' plush toy. - with Stuff.co.nz

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