The NSW Waratahs surged to the top of the Super 14 ladder with a thumping 40-17 victory over the lowly Cheetahs at the Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday night.

Despite the wet and slippery conditions, the Waratahs put on a show to celebrate Al Baxter's 100th Super rugby game in style - and the veteran front-rower came to the party with his first-ever try for his state.

Baxter, Australia's most-capped prop with 69 Tests to his credit, crossed from the closest of range in the 44th minute as the Waratahs bagged five tries to clinch a vital bonus point.

The 33-year-old Baxter, beaming from ear to ear, received rousing applause from the Waratahs faithful - and high fives from the NSW bench - after receiving a well-earned early shower in the 52nd minute.

With the Bulls, Stormers and Crusaders all stumbling this weekend, NSW's fifth straight win guaranteed Chris Hickey's side first position on the table on points differential after round eight.

With a trip to Christchurch next week to take on the seven-times championship-winning Crusaders, followed by a points-free bye and a round-10 derby against the Brumbies, it was crucial the Waratahs performed in the absence of injured skipper Phil Waugh.

Captaining his state for the first time at Super level, lock Dean Mumm was a standout, while centre Berrick Barnes enjoyed his best game for the Waratahs since joining the franchise from Queensland at the end of last season.

The Waratahs led 23-3 at halftime courtesy of tries to centre Rob Horne in the 26th minute, after he capitalised on a clean break by his midfield partner Barnes, and prop Benn Robinson.

Five-eighth Daniel Halangahu added both conversions, plus penalty goals in the ninth, 18th and 37th minutes to leave the home side in control at the break.

Baxter's five-pointer followed by a runaway effort from Beale in the 46th minute secured the win and bonus point.

Replacement halfback Josh Holmes added a fifth NSW try in the 78th minute, which man-of-the-match Barnes converted to complete the rout.

The visiting South Africans grabbed a couple of late consolation tries through prop WP Nel and reserve Corne Uys, with centre Meyer Bosman converting both to add to a first-half penalty goal to five-eighth Naas Olivier.

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