New Zealand Maori extended its domination of NSW and brought the Waratahs' season to a disappointing end with a hard-fought 20-16 victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

An understrength NSW, missing a dozen Wallabies, ended its campaign with a fourth straight loss, following three successive defeats in the Super 14 tournament.

The Maori, which had won its last six matches against NSW and had not lost to the Waratahs since 1935, scored three tries to one in a match played in driving rain.

The right boot of prolific point scoring full back Peter Hewat took the Waratahs to the verge of victory in their first SCG fixture in 23 years.

Hewat passed the 200-point tally for the season with a 66 minute penalty, which gave the Waratahs a 16-15 advantage.

NSW hung on doggedly for the next 11 minutes and had flanker Dean Mumm sin-binned in the 76th minute.

But with just under three minutes remaining Maori replacement hooker Luke Mahoney crashed over the line from a forward drive following a line out.

The Maori was rewarded for its attacking prowess as it spurned three successive shots from goal from 20 metres or less in the last few minutes before its decisive try.

Given the difficult playing conditions, it was hard for the three Wallabies in the NSW team, captain and no. 8 David Lyons, prop Matt Dunning and Morgan Turinui to shine.

Of the trio, only Lyons played the full game with inside centre Turinui replaced at halftime.

Dunning was substituted at the break by fellow Wallaby front rower Al Baxter, who was given a run at loosehead prop, the opposite side of the scrum to which he normally operates.

Dunning replaced the other NSW starting prop Aaron Broughton-Rouse in the final quarter.

The Maori opened the scoring after 10 minutes when centre Pehi te Whare crossed after good work from five eighth Callum Bruce and inside centre Neil Brew.

Two Hewat penalties ensured NSW trailed just 7-6 at the break.

The Waratahs grabbed a 13-7 lead shortly after halftime when Hewat converted a try to centre Ben Jacobs, who scored after a break by five eighth Daniel Halangahu.

The Maori hit back two minutes later with a try to no.8 Thomas Waldron, but had lock Kristian Hornsby sin-binned shortly after for a rucking offence.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP