Exeter Clinch Thrilling Victory Over Benetton With Slade's Winning Penalty

A dramatic late penalty kick by Henry Slade allowed Exeter to narrowly defeat Benetton 44-41, securing their spot in the Challenge Cup semi-finals against Ulster in Belfast. After Jacob Umaga's try gave Benetton a 41-38 lead with 15 minutes remaining, Slade equalized with a penalty four minutes later and then sealed the win with another penalty in the 78th minute, sparking outrage among the home fans. The first half was marked by a frenetic pace, with Exeter taking a 14-7 lead courtesy of an early try by Olly Woodburn and a penalty try, before extending their advantage to 24-14 with Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's try and Slade's conversion and penalty. However, the hosts drew level at halftime after a spectacular try by Onisi Ratave, followed by a conversion and penalty by Umaga. Exeter regained the lead two minutes into the second half with Harvey Skinner's converted try, but Bautista Bernasconi soon leveled the score for Benetton. Andrea Zambonin's try from short range in the 48th minute put Exeter ahead 38-31, but Umaga's second penalty and subsequent try, which he converted, gave Benetton their first lead since the eighth minute. Ultimately, Slade's kicking proved decisive. In another match, reigning Investec Champions Cup champions 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 scored off a maul in the 23rd minute. Toulouse swiftly responded with Yoram Moefana failing to catch the restart, allowing Romain Ntamack to dart in and score. A late first-half stoppage occurred after Toulouse prop Dorian Aldegheri made contact with Damian Penaud's head while kicking the ball, resulting in a 20-minute red card and a head injury assessment for Penaud. Despite this, Toulouse took the lead into the break after a sweeping passing move sent Teddy Thomas clear down the right. Following a penalty by Thomas Ramos that extended Toulouse's advantage early in the second half, Bordeaux fought back. 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 with Ben Tameifuna's try and Maxime Lucu's long-range penalty just after the hour. Any hopes of a Toulouse comeback were extinguished when Arthur Retiere touched down Bordeaux's fourth try in the corner, followed by another Lucu penalty.