The Harlequins second row made his debut for Gli Azzurri last year ahead of the Rugby World Cup but a serious injury kept him out of the entirety of the Guinness Six Nations.
This has been his first opportunity to show what he can do to new boss Gonzalo Quesada, and his value was evident in the 20-17 victory.
Michele Lamaro’s early injury meant that the responsibility on the starting forwards was even greater, particularly the versatile Lamb who can play both in the second row and across the back row.
In this encounter he came close to a try in the first half, just held up over the line after a dynamic charge in the Georgian 22.
He also had a big role to play at lineout time, with Georgia coming under pressure in that area, while Italy were able to use their attacking lineout as a weapon to set up Alessandro Fusco’s match-winning try.
A former England age-group player, Lamb has caught the eye for Harlequins and was brought into the Italy set-up by Kieran Crowley, qualifying through his father from Turin – where Italy will play New Zealand next week.
Alongside Niccolo Cannone for an hour, and then Riccardo Favretto for the final 20 minutes, Lamb was relentless as Italy used their forward pack to squeeze their visitors.
Even trailing by 11 points at the break, Gli Azzurri did not panic, and were able to control territory in the second period to great effect.
The pressure led to points, with Fusco’s try finally seeing off the Lelos, while Lamb was still competing for lineouts in the final minutes to prevent a late Georgian comeback.
Next up for Italy will be a clash against the All Blacks and a chance for Lamb to underline his credentials against Scott Barrett – the New Zealand skipper.
If he can repeat this performance in Turin, Lamb’s place in this side will be cemented even further.
