The Blues' dismal start to the Super Rugby season has extended to a fourth defeat after the Lions produced a huge defensive effort before stealing a 13-10 win in Auckland.
The Lions had to survive large amounts of time in their own territory, but repeatedly repelled the Blues on Saturday night.
A couple of Elton Jantjies penalties kept them in touch at 10-6, before they scored the decisive try in the 63rd minute in their first real attack.
Replacement half-back Faf de Klerk created the opening before first five-eighth Jantjies' cut-out pass sent winger Ruan Combrinck over in the corner.
Amidst stunned silence from the home fans at QBE Stadium, Jantjies landed the sideline conversion.
Both sides had further penalty chances which they failed to convert, as the Lions closed out their first win of the season.
The result left the Blues, who this week had to deny a media report that they had sounded out a replacement for coach Sir John Kirwan, at the bottom of the table.
It also dampened the celebrations for hooker Keven Mealamu, who was making a competition record 163rd appearance, taking him past retired Australian lock Nathan Sharpe.
The 123-Test All Black, having his first match of the season after being rested in the previous rounds, produced his typical endeavour in his 45 minutes on the field.
He got a big ovation when he was subbed off.
The Blues dominated territory from the start, and a break from fullback Lolagi Visinia in the opening seconds carried promise.
Another big break-out, started by first five-eighth Ihaia West, died with a knock-on, but the Blues did get the first points on the board with a West penalty.
Jantjies replied with a penalty of his own, before the Blues became increasingly threatening as they camped inside the Lions' half.
They finally crossed when skipper Jerome Kaino, back on the field after a spell in the blood bin, scored.
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