Exeter Claims Victory Over Benetton with Slade's Winning Penalty

A dramatic late penalty kick by Henry Slade propelled Exeter to a 44-41 win over Benetton, securing their spot in the Challenge Cup semi-finals against Ulster in Belfast. The hosts had taken the lead with 15 minutes remaining through Jacob Umaga's try, but Slade's leveler four minutes later and subsequent winner in the 78th minute sealed the deal for Exeter, much to the dismay of the home crowd. The first half was a frenetic affair, with Exeter establishing a 14-7 lead courtesy of Olly Woodburn's score and a penalty try. They further extended their advantage to 24-14 after Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's try and Slade's conversion and penalty. However, the hosts fought back to level the score by halftime, thanks to an impressive try from Onisi Ratave and Umaga's conversion and penalty. The second half saw Exeter regain the lead through Harvey Skinner's converted try, only for Bautista Bernasconi to draw Benetton level once more. Exeter then edged ahead 38-31 when Andrea Zambonin scored from close range in the 48th minute, but Umaga's penalty and try soon gave Benetton their first lead since the eighth minute. Ultimately, Slade's kicking proved decisive. In another match, Investec Champions Cup titleholders Bordeaux overcame Toulouse 30-15 to set up a semi-final clash with Bath. Toulouse made a strong start at Stade Chaban-Delmas but Bordeaux's defense held firm until Maxime Lamothe powered over in the 23rd minute. The visitors responded immediately from the restart as Yoram Moefana failed to catch the kick-off, allowing Romain Ntamack to dart in on the right. A late first-half stoppage occurred after Toulouse prop Dorian Aldegheri made head contact with Damian Penaud, resulting in a 20-minute red card for the high-danger challenge. Despite this, Toulouse took a 12-5 lead into the break courtesy of a sweeping passing move that sent Teddy Thomas clear down the right. After the interval, Bordeaux regained their footing. Matthieu Jalibert collected his own kick through and dove over, while Toulouse's Antoine Dupont received a yellow card for a trip in the 56th minute. Bordeaux took control of the tie when Ben Tameifuna barged over and Maxime Lucu landed a long-range penalty just after the hour. Any hopes of a late Toulouse comeback were extinguished with six minutes left as Arthur Retiere touched down Bordeaux's fourth try in the corner, followed by Lucu's penalty.