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Springbok Pat Lambie wants 'iconic' Wembley debut against Barbarians

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 04:  Patrick Lambie of South Africa in action during the MasterCard Trophy match between the Barbarians and South Africa at Twic

Pat Lambie wants to make his first appearance at Wembley Stadium when South Africa face the Barbarians in November.

The Springbok fly-half has played for and against the famous invitation club since making his international debut in 2010.

Currently injured, the Sharks captain is targeting a place in South Africa's squad when they launch their autumn tour against the Barbarians.

"I've never played at Wembley but it's an iconic stadium and every player in South Africa will want to play there," said Lambie.

South Africa will be chasing a first win in 16 years against the Barbarians, after losing to them 22-7 in 2007 and 26-20 in 2010.

The bond you form in such a short space of time is what makes it so special. You play for the jersey, play an exciting brand of rugby and it's a unique environment.
Pat Lambie on the Barbarians

Lambie was a 20 year-old on his first tour when he appeared in the 2010 defeat clinched by two tries from Wallaby winger Drew Mitchell. Since then he has appeared three times in the black and white of the Barbarians, most recently last year as part of a star-studded backline.

"The Barbarians lived up to all my expectations and exceeded them. It's great to meet up with some of the best players in the world, spend time with them and play with them.

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"The bond you form in such a short space of time is what makes it so special. You play for the jersey, play an exciting brand of rugby and it's a unique environment.

"I've got so many good memories it's tough to single any of them out. It's awesome to play in a backline with people like Nemani Nadolo, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Waisale Naholo, Ryan Crotty - these are the most dangerous guys in world rugby."

Patrick Lambie of the Barbarians takes on the Fiji defence during the Killik Cup match between the Barbarians and Fiji
Image: Patrick Lambie played for the Barbarians in 2013 wearing the socks of his school, Michaelhouse

The Springboks recently appointed a new coach in Allister Coetzee after Heyneke Meyer stepped down after the 2015 World Cup, and Coetzee's first job is to rebuild after several star players including Fourie du Preez and Jean de Villiers retired after last year's tournament.

But the next generation, with the likes of Handre Pollard, Jesse Kriel and Lood de Jager all 23 or under, is full of talent and ready to build on their third place finish at last year's World Cup.

"I'm sure there will be a strong group of South African players travelling over and they're an exciting bunch," stressed Lambie.

"The Barbarians week is before they play England so I'm sure it'll be a game to have a look at lots of players, work on combinations, and it'll definitely be an exciting game of rugby."

See the Barbarians take on South Africa at Wembley Stadium live as the two sides clash for the first time in six years. Tickets available via Sky Tickets from £40

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