Blues head coach Tana Umaga praises Sonny Bill Williams after victory against Lions

Blues head coach Tana Umaga lavished praise on New Zealand international Sonny Bill Williams after his team's 22-16 win over British and Irish Lions at Eden Park on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old was a part of New Zealand Sevens Rio Olympics squad last year but his campaign was cut short by an injury in Achilles tendon following which he was sidelined for a considerable amount of time.

Williams made a strong comeback for his Super Rugby side Blues against Warren Gatland's men in Auckland where he scored a try at the stroke of half time and also played a vital role in setting the decisive touchdown of Ihaia West that completed a six point victory for the home side.

Umaga, who led the New Zealand squad to a 3-0 series win over Lions in their previous visit to the country in 2005 backs Williams to have a successful outing against Lions in the three-Test series against All Blacks.

"Well Sonny Bill's obviously still coming back from 18 months away from the game, and he's had a stop-start season for us," said Blues coach Umaga.

"Every week he's got better and better. He keeps showing the hunger that he's got to keep playing at the top level.

"That's obviously very good for us, and it's very pleasing for the All Blacks as well.

"Again it's a conundrum for them to start to work out who they will pick in that midfield area."

Despite, the win, Williams urged the All Blacks side not to take Lions lightly considering the depth in their squad.

"They are really strong in set piece, but don't get it twisted, they have got some dangerous players out wide," Williams told Sky Sports.

"The reason why this is so special is because of how young our squad is.

"After a season of ups and downs where the bounce didn't go our way, but tonight it did.

"I'm happy for Tana and the coaches, and for how hard the young boys are working. This is a good way to top off the season."

The news on Williams could not have come at a better time for New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen, who is set to name the squad for the three Test series against Lions on Thursday.