RUGBY: AUCKLAND BLUES v BRITISH LIONS - Story of the match

Sonny Bill Williams produced a moment of magic to allow the onrushing Ihaia West to race home for the winning try as Auckland Blues overcame the British and Irish Lions 22-16 at Eden Park.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Jun 2017, 15:53 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2017, 15:55 BST
Blues' Matt Duffie is tackled by Liam Williams of the LionsBlues' Matt Duffie is tackled by Liam Williams of the Lions
Blues' Matt Duffie is tackled by Liam Williams of the Lions

Leigh Halfpenny’s third penalty of the match had edged the Lions 16-15 ahead in the 71st minute. Halfpenny earlier converted the tourists’ only try, scored by CJ Stander in the 18th minute.

But Williams’ late piece of brilliance helped get the hosts over the line, with try-scorer West adding the extras. Rieko Ioane had put Blues ahead with the game’s opening try before Williams also touched down at the end of the first half, Stephen Perofeta converting. West added a penalty early in the second period.

TWEET OF THE MATCH

Blues players celebrate the final whistleBlues players celebrate the final whistle
Blues players celebrate the final whistle
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“Superb try from Blues to win the match - Lions far too many unforced penalties.” - two-time Lions tourist Brian Moore @brianmoore666).

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Sonny Bill Williams pounced on Steven Luatua’s offload to cut loose and do justice to Ihaia West’s excellent line by producing a smart scoring pass. In a flash, the Lions went from a one-point lead to a six-point loss.

STAR MAN

Blues' Sonny Bill Williams celebrates scoring their second tryBlues' Sonny Bill Williams celebrates scoring their second try
Blues' Sonny Bill Williams celebrates scoring their second try

Sonny Bill Williams. Only the most special talents can win man-of-the-match awards in rugby for one moment’s magic.

THE HAKA HITS THE RIGHT NOTES

The Blues’ performance of a new haka, He Toa Takitini, The Strength of Many, paid homage to late former stars Jonah Lomu and Kurtis Haiu. The pomp and ceremony added another layer of intrigue to an already compelling Lions tour.

WHO’S UP NEXT?

Crusaders v British and Irish Lions (Saturday, June 10, in Canterbury)

Related topics:British and Irish LionsRugby