One moment of Sonny Bill Williams magic was all it took for Auckland Blues to sink the British and Irish Lions 22-16 at Eden Park.

All Blacks talisman Williams’ tight line and offload let the onrushing Ihaia West race home for the late try that dispatched Warren Gatland’s battling tourists.

The Lions botched the perfect chance to set their tour up and running by throwing away a potentially priceless victory against their first Super Rugby opposition.

Rieko Ioane and Sonny Bill Williams claimed the Blues’ other tries, while CJ Stander snaffled the lone score for the visitors.

Leigh Halfpenny’s 11 points with the boot kept the tourists in touch, but to no avail.