Exeter Claims Victory Over Benetton with Slade's Winning Penalty

In a nail-biting finish, Henry Slade's late penalty secured Exeter's 44-41 win over Benetton, setting up a semi-final Challenge Cup match against Ulster in Belfast. The hosts had taken the lead with Jacob Umaga's try, but Slade's penalty leveled the score and his subsequent kick in the 78th minute sealed the victory, sparking outrage among the home fans. The first half was marked by frantic action, with Exeter taking an early lead through Olly Woodburn's score and a penalty try, before extending it to 24-14 with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's try and Slade's conversion and penalty. However, the hosts drew level by the break, thanks to Onisi Ratave's outstanding try and Umaga's conversion and penalty. The second half saw Exeter regain the lead with Harvey Skinner's converted try, only for Bautista Bernasconi to level the score for Benetton. The visitors then took a 38-31 lead when Andrea Zambonin scored, but Umaga's penalty and try gave Benetton their first lead since the eighth minute. Ultimately, Slade's decisive kick gave Exeter the win. In another match, Bordeaux defeated Toulouse 30-15 to set up a semi-final against Bath, with Maxime Lamothe and Yoram Moefana scoring early tries, before Toulouse's Dorian Aldegheri received a 20-minute red card for a high-danger challenge. Despite this, Toulouse took the lead, but Bordeaux rallied with Matthieu Jalibert's try and Ben Tameifuna's score, before Arthur Retiere sealed the win with Bordeaux's fourth try.