World Cup hopefuls Samoa ran in 36 second-half points to storm to a 48-41 win over the NSW Waratahs in their rugby match at Aussie Stadium.

The Waratahs ran in five first half tries to take a commanding halftime lead 36-12, but wilted as Samoa charged into the lead, scoring five tries of their own.

NSW's only points of the second half came in the final seconds as inside centre Shaun Berne grabbed this third try of the night.

It was a disappointing end to NSW coach Bob Dwyer's career with the Waratahs, who were guilty of similar collapses during the Super 12.

Dwyer has stepped down, with former Wallaby prop Ewen McKenzie today appointed as his replacement.

NSW dominated territory and possession during the opening half as the Samoans were caned in the penalty count, particularly at the breakdown.

But once they found their feet, the Waratahs, with six debutants in their 22, were completely outclassed.

There were no fireworks between prop Matt Dunning and his NSW teammate flanker Des Tuiavii, who turned out for Samoa.

The pair were fined $5000 by NSW Rugby on Monday for their drunken antics during a post-season celebration last month, when Dunning admitted breaking Tuiavii's nose in a scuffle.

NSW earned their first points within three minutes, when five-eighth and skipper Duncan McRae put a perfectly-weighted chip kick into the in-goal, which bounced awkwardly around Samoan fullback Tanner Vili, allowing Berne to pounce.

Three minutes later the Waratah duo teamed up again, this time McRae dummying before finding Berne, who converted for a 14-0 lead.

Samoan five-eighth Earl Va'a got his side on the board after making a break and combining with flanker Kitiona Viliamu to touch down.

NSW scored another three first half tries to take control of the match at the break, but the determined Samoan outfit took their game up a notch to the delight of their many fans in the 11,000-strong crowd.

Their seven tries were shared among seven players, with tireless inside centre Brian Lima, who opened their scoring in the second half, voted man of the match.

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