John Kenneth Lambie

John Lambie was a tall, rangy, talented and tough No.8 forward who created a most favourable impression in his first Test series. Unfortunately the emergence of Mark Loane and then Greg Cornelsen as world class No.8s limited Lambie’s international career to two seasons.

Born in Sydney and educated at Port Hacking High School, Lambie was first noticed as a teachers’ training college student from Wollongong when chosen to represent New South Wales Country against France in 1972.

A year later he debuted for New South Wales against Queensland. A solid performance in Country’s 4-27 loss to the All Blacks in 1974 earned him a spot on the side of the scrum for the first Test in Sydney. In foul, sodden conditions alongside Ray Price, the debutant pair gave New Zealand more than a tough time in what was a tight contest.

In 1975 Lambie played a leading role in Country's shock 14-13 win over England in Goulburn and booked himself a spot in the Sixth Wallabies tour to Britain. He played in nine of the 26 matches, one of which was the international against Wales in Cardiff.

Highlights

1974

Lambie won his first Test cap on the flank in partnership with fellow debutant Ray Price and the twice capped Mark Loane in the 1st Test, 6-11 loss to New Zealand in Sydney. When Loane broke his hand in that match, Lambie was shifted to No.8 for the final two Tests and another debutant, Greg Cornelsen was brought in on the side.

1975/76

Lambie played his final Test as a flanker alongside Tony Shaw and Cornelsen in the 3-28 loss to Wales in Cardiff.