A spectacular solo try to youngster Kurtley Beale wasn't enough to save New South Wales as they lost 30-26 to the Cheetahs in their Super 14 rugby clash in the South African city of Kimberley early on Sunday, Australian time.

The Waratahs lost skipper Phi Waugh to a first minute left ankle injury and trailed 19-3 after their normally stingy defence gave up three tries in the first 18 minutes.

The Cheetahs' enterprising play was rewarded with tries to each of their back three.

Wingers Ronnie Cooke and Eddie Fredericks and fullback Philip Burger crossed the NSW line in a frantic first quarter.

Teenage five-eighth Beale, making his first Super start, sparked the NSW revival with a superb chip and chase solo effort in the second quarter.

He put the ball on his boot just inside Cheetahs territory, regained it by scooping it away from one defender and beat another on his way to the line.

Five-eighth Herkie Kruger kicked a drop goal to give the Cheetahs a 22-10 lead, but NSW centre Ben Jacobs scampered over for a try converted by winger Peter Hewat to leave NSW trailing 22-17 at the break.

A further Hewat penalty early in the second half cut the gap to two points.

The Cheetahs extended their lead and secured a try scoring bonus point through No.8 Juan Smith.

Hewat kept NSW in the game with two more penalties, but his only miss in seven attempts, from in front inside the last five minutes, sealed the visitors' fate.

NSW finished their three-match stand in South Africa with five points from a win and two losses and have a bye next week.

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